17 January 2012

Martin Schulz elected as President of the European Parliament

Euro MPs also elected S&Ds Gianni Pittella, Miguel Angel Martínez Martínez and Anni Podimata respectively as 1st, 2nd and 3rd European Parliament vice-presidents.

Schulz was elected in the first ballot with a large majority and his mandate will run over the next two and a half years. Commenting on his new role, Schulz said: “I will be and want to be the President for all Members and to defend your rights.

"More Europe with less Parliament – I want to start a fight against this concept. And I hope you will join me.

"We want to listen more to the people. And this is the place where the interests of the people are represented. Here representatives of the European people are sitting. This is why I say: 'Citizens, who you have given us your confidence in a direct vote, you can expect us to fight for your cause'. I know this and am proud that all Members in this House consider themselves as advocates for the people."

Commenting on his election, S&D vice-president Maria Badia i Cutchet said: "It is a great honour that our friend and colleague Martin Schulz from the S&D Group has been elected as President of the European Parliament.

"I have worked with Martin over many years and I wish him great success for his new role. We will look forward to having a Social Democrat voice leading the Parliament and to working closely together in future.

"There is a great need for the new President to strengthen the role of the Parliament. In the light of the latest discussions around a new inter-governmental treaty this is of ever greater importance. We need to ensure that any future action is based on the principle of democratic participation and thus the 'Community method'".

In view of Martin Schulz's new role he will give up his mandate as Leader of the Progressive Alliance of the Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament as of today. A vote to elect the new S&D Group Leader will take place in the afternoon.

Press release

© S&D Group