Filenews 18 January 2022
By the envoy to Strasbourg Andri Daniel
The first round of voting is under way, with information from yesterday indicating that the election of Roberta Metsola of the European People's Party, with the support of the EPP, the Social Democrats and the Liberals, has been locked in. It is estimated that her election will emerge from the first round.
Addressing the Members of the European Parliament shortly before the electronic vote, which is being held for the first time electronically due to the measures against the pandemic, Mrs. Metsola gave the signal of her presidency by referring to the effort of her predecessor David Sassoli to create a world of solidarity and a Europe that belongs to her people, something as she said that she would like to continue herself.
She expressed pride in the European Parliament and its philosophy, expressing a determination to strengthen this mentality. The truth she said, "arises from dialogue and disagreements. Tolerance means making room for diversity, justice means being able to listen to the other side."
She appealed to MEPs to rediscover Mitterrand and Kohl's goals, to leave behind the stubborn things of the past looking to the future. It means improving society and life means leadership, and that is why the European Parliament must lead, modernise and become more efficient.
"Our Parliament is the best example of Europe. We are in Strasbourg as the symbol of Democracy and the reconciliation of peace and power of Europe, to form a future of hope for all."
She expressed the will to be president of the MEPs who will use the wisdom of the older ones and the knowledge of the new, so that we can, as she said, find solutions to the challenges of our times.
We must build on the commitment to combat climate change, find solutions for migration, for energy, digitalisation, health, equality, a new economic model and fight for real equality that governs what we do.
I will be proud, she noted, "to be the President of this effort, that will honour the legacy of those who preceded it. Let me be the one who bridges differences and leads to decision-making."
She referred to Belarus as a boiling point, Ukraine which is a threat and all diplomatic possibilities should be exploited and the main of the parliamentary possibility preserved, with understanding of the challenges that are opening up.
We want, Mrs Metsola concluded, for the European Parliament to fulfil its role on the world stage.
