Roberta METSOLA gives a press conference after her re-election as President of the European Parliament for a second term.

Strasbourg

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

election of the President of the European Parliament (T)

functioning of the EP (T)

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, re-elected President of the European Parliament

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) Thank you very much, Jaume. Good afternoon to all of you. Let me start by saying, how honoured I am to have been elected as president of the European Parliament for a second term to serve the people of Europe, which is a responsibility that I take on with great humility. I have just given a long speech in plenary, so I will limit myself to a few short remarks first. I will stand for a strong Parliament in a strong Europe.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) I want this Parliament to be leading the policies and the agenda for Europe in the coming years, to be the legislative and political powerhouse that people want us to be and voted for us to be.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) Now, to do this, we have to keep pushing for the right of initiative to make sure that we are able to improve our scrutiny and inquiry powers, and in my mandate, I will work hard to continue to build bridges and further strengthen this House.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) Secondly, entering a new legislative cycle, we need to turn the electoral messages into constructive political action. We need to deliver for Europeans on policy, and I know we can make you better.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) But to do this, we cannot be afraid of debate and change. Furthermore, we should also always recall that the successes that people remembered the most are the ones where Europe has simplified their lives.

paragraph-6 Thirdly, we now stand up for the politics of hope. With increasing polarisation and even political violence. This Parliament must stand for the opposite. We must build, not destroy.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) We stand for the rule of law, our freedoms. And counter autocracy. We must remain the strongest of voices for the common good. And that also means continued and unwavering support for Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) Finally, a strong program needs a strong team. We are looking forward to the discussion on Thursday with the president designate of the European Commission, on her political guidelines, after which the members will vote.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Roberta METSOLA, (EPP, MT) Parliament is ready, and if our priorities are sufficiently reflected in the guidelines, we will do our part and move forward without delay.