MEPs in Strasbourg re-elect Roberta Metsola as president of European Parliament
Date
7/17/2024 5:55:33 AM
(MENAFN) In a decisive move, MEPs in Strasbourg overwhelmingly re-elected Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament for a new term. Metsola secured strong support with 562 votes in her favor during the first session of the Parliament’s new term held at its headquarters in Strasbourg, France. Her opponent, Irene Monteiro, nominated by the Left Group within the Parliament, received only 61 votes. Out of 623 deputies who participated in the voting, 76 opted for blank ballots. Metsola’s victory, with nearly 90 percent of the vote, marks the highest majority for a president since the European Parliament’s direct elections began in 1979.
In her address following the election, Metsola emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by women in Europe, stressing that true progress cannot be achieved if a significant number of women still do not feel fully integrated into society. She highlighted persistent inequalities, including disparities in pay where women continue to earn less than men for equivalent work. Metsola’s re-election to the presidency cements her position as only the third woman to hold this esteemed role, following in the footsteps of Nicole Fontaine of France and Simone Veil. Her first election as President occurred on January 18, 2022, succeeding David Sassoli of Italy, who passed away during his tenure. Metsola has been a member of the European Parliament since 2013, bringing extensive experience and a commitment to advancing European unity and equality.
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