Press point by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, during the EP plenary session (21-24/11) in Strasbourg. Martin SCHULZ telling his decision not to run as President of the European Parliament for a third term, but run for the German Bundestag as the head of the list of the SPD party in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Strasbourg

press point

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

election of the President of the European Parliament (T)

Press point by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, on his decision not to run as President of the European Parliament for a third term

SOUNDBITE (English), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, Over the last months, there has been a lot of speculation in the press about my future. I have now made that decision. I will not run as President of the European Parliament for a third term. Next year, I will run for the German Bundestag as the head of the list of my party the SPD in North Rhine-Westphalia. It was not an easy decision, as it is an honour to be President of the European Parliament and I am very thankful for the opportunity. Throughout my time in the European Parliament whether as an MEP, as head of the Socialist Group or as President, I have strived to strengthen the credibility and visibility of European politics and the influence of the directly elected European Parliament. Never like in current times, does the world need a strong, self-confident and united European Union which stands up for its values and beliefs, and defends and strengthens what previous generations have built.

SOUNDBITE (English), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, My commitment to the European project is unwavering. From now on, I will be fighting for this project from the national level, but my values do not change. I will continue to do my utmost to improve people's everyday life, to narrow inequalities within and between societies. Only by doing this, will it be possible to regain the lost trust. Germany in particular, as the biggest Member State of the European Union bears a special responsibility, which until now I have tried to fulfil as a German Member of the European Parliament and in the future I will strive to fulfil from Berlin. I will carry on my functions as president of the EP, with the same strength and conviction, until the end of my mandate.

SOUNDBITE (English), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, Today, is not a day of farewell. However, already today, I would like to thank all the colleagues with whom I have worked closely and trustfully together in the past years, in particular my friends on Socialist group. I also thank the president of the European commission, Jean-Claude JUNCKER, a friend, and a great European, with whom I had fruitfully of the last two and a half years. I would also like to thank the highly committed and qualified staff of the European Parliament who truly believe in the European values. And my team, which has supported me, tirelessly over these last years.