Roberta Metsola has been re-elected president of the European Parliament for the next two years and a half, marking the beginning of the 10th legislature in Strasbourg, according to Euronews.
In a vote held on Tuesday morning, the 45-year-old Christian Democrat from Malta secured 562 votes in favour out of the 623 ballots cast by the newly-elected lawmakers, a comfortable victory that easily surpasses the necessary majority.
"With your support, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring people together. This must be a house that cannot be afraid to lead and to change," Metsola said in her pre-vote address, promising to foster an atmosphere of "debate" and "respect."
"This must be a strong Parliament in a strong Union," she went on. "We cannot accept that our role as parliamentarians is diluted."
Irene Montero, the symbolic challenger presented by the Left, obtained only 61 votes.
The result reflects Metsola's rising profile as a pragmatic leader willing and capable of working with forces across the political spectrum and cements her credentials as one of the most prominent figures in the centre-right European People's Party (EPP).
She was first elected in January 2022, following the sudden passing of her predecessor, David Sassoli. Her elevation was a breakthrough moment for Malta, which, as the smallest country in the EU, had never seen one of its citizens in such a high position.
