The Maltese is the big favorite of the European conservatives to the presidency of the Parliament of Strasbourg. Current president David Sassoli, from the Socialists and Democrats group, is due to step down on January 18. And Roberta Metsola could then become the third woman to hold this position. But his positions on the voluntary termination of pregnancy are controversial.
At 42, Roberta Metsola could become the youngest president of the European Parliament, and the third woman only to occupy this post after the French Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002). Member of the European Parliament since 2013, a graduate of the College of Europe in Bruges, Roberta Metsola is respected in Brussels for her work and skills.
If she clearly displays her distances from the far right and supports liberal positions on LGBT + rights, she abstained in a vote on the criminalization of violence against women recently and opposed all texts aimed at to strengthen or defend the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy. While this right is under attack in some countries, his presence at the head of Parliament would be an unacceptable symbol for many elected officials.
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But other considerations will come into play in his election. According to the 2019 political agreement, the presidency of the hemicycle goes to the Conservatives. The sharing of posts and prerogatives between the major political groups is a well-established tradition. The subject will occupy a large part of the discussions until January 18.
“The next years must be about the re-generation & renewal of the European project, anchored in our common values.
As we raise the EU to the next level, we need to work together to hold the center. That is the only way we can prepare this project for the next generation “. ?? pic.twitter.com/tGuaA2zJCW
– Roberta Metsola MEP (@RobertaMetsola) December 21, 2021