MEPs voted for a safe pair of hands by re-electing Nikiforos Diamandouros to be the man who helps citizen combat poor administration in the EU institutions. With the right to good administration a legally-binding fundamental right, Diamandouros says he is

Diamandouros wins second mandate as European ombudsman

You've been re-elected by the EP   for a second mandate,

as European Ombudsman do you have   any comments on the election?

I'm extremely honoured that   it's the second full mandate,

it's a great honour   and I hope I can do everything possible

The biggest challenge   for me is how to manage

and how to progress   the ombudsman's mandate,

Many things have changed   for the Ombudsman's role

all the EU institutions,   and not only the community

are subjected to   the Ombudsman's monitoring.

is now binding   concerning Member States

Article 41 envisages that the right   to good administration,

Do you expect a lot more complaints,   and more work?

in the network of national   and regional ombudsmen in Europe,

to be ready to reply to the needs and   demands of citizens we must serve.

The Lisbon Treaty includes a new right   to launch a European initiative.

It remains to be seen.   I'm ready to contribute.

I'm ready to participate   in public consultation

I will be reacting to citizens' initiatives

but me and my team   will be there to serve.

for citizens' wanting to launch   a petition but don't know how?

One year ago, 5 January 2009   I launched

a new website in 23 languages   including an interactive guide.

This guide is at their disposal   in all the official languages,

and if there are any questions,   then I am ready to help them.