Three MEPs have announced their candidacy to the Presidency of the European Parliament: Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE) and Sira REGO (The Left, ES). If the first round does not deliver a winner, the same or other candidates can be nominated for a second and a third round, under the same conditions. If no one is elected at the third round, the two candidates with the most votes in this round proceed to a fourth and final vote, in which the candidate receiving the most votes wins.

Strasbourg

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

REGO, Sira (The Left, ES)

KUHNKE, Alice (Greens/EFA, SE)

Election of the office of the President: Presentation by the candidates

Cutaways : Arrival of Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE)

SOUNDBITE (English), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), I believe in a European Parliament of diversity, but believing in diversity as a strength also means we must defend this European project. The fundamental rights of EU citizens and the rules of democracy are not negotiable.

SOUNDBITE (English), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), As your President, I would honour the legacy of the former President, Simon Veil, with her initiative to reward individuals and organisations fighting for sexual and reproductive health and rights wherever they are challenged in Europe.

SOUNDBITE (English), Alice KUHNKE (Greens/EFA, SE), As your President, I will work tirelessly for a European Parliament where diversity is an asset, not a disadvantage. Zero tolerance on sexism is possible. Let us make anti-harassment training mandatory. Let's create an equal workplace with flexible methods. Let's ensure transparency and internal democracy in this House. Ending the time of backroom dealings. Let us practise what we preach by making sure our own institution is a front runner in the green transition.

Cutaways : Arrival of Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT)

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT), We are in Strasbourg as the symbol of democracy, of reconciliation, of peace, of the power of Europe to shape a future of hope. It is not always an easy balance to find, but in our Parliament, like in our Europe, it is the strength of your arguments that matters, not geography, which you trust. I want to be a President of members who makes full use of all young energies and old wisdoms present in the House to help find solutions to the challenges of our time.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT), It is here where we must be able to wait to find the way forward on migration, on energy, on digitalisation, on health, on equality, on a new economic model, on defence, on solidarity and social justice. Women's rights cannot be an afterthought. The fight for real equality must go beyond image. It must permeate through everything that we do, and I would be proud to be the President who leads that fight to honour the legacy of all those who came before.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT), I am a woman from a small island in the middle of Europe Southern Sea. I know what it means to be the underdog. I know what it means to be pigeonholed. But I also know how important this is for people beyond this Chamber. I know what this means for every girl watching today.

Cutaways : Arrival of  Sira REGO (The Left, ES)

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Sira REGO (The Left, ES), We live in a world with limited resources. The answer cannot be that only a few have rights and access to those resources. We need firm decisions that face the consequences of a climate emergency that is already here. That is why we believe that now that we are discussing the future of Europe, we must bet on more democracy. And that means that this Parliament must promote decisions that respond to the great challenges we face in the context of the eco-social crisis.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Sira REGO (The Left, ES), This Parliament must defend women's rights. Not a step back in our right to decide about our own bodies. Not a step back in our right to abortion.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Sira REGO (The Left, ES), In addition, we need to be able to debate in a public space that is not intoxicated by lies. In a diverse and plural space such as European society, we need to move away from an extreme right that only brings fear, hate and violence so that the rights of all become the privilege of a few. Attacks on LGBTI people, women, migrants are not coincidental. In fact, the far right has declared war on human rights.

Cutaways: genral view of the hemicycle (5 shots)