Roberta Metsola Wins With Record Breaking Absolute Majority

Jul 16 2024

Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola has won a second consecutive term as European Parliament President with a record breaking absolute majority over her Leftist opponent Spanish MEP Irene Montero.

Metsola received a staggering 562 votes to her opponents total of 61. This means that out of a total of 623 casted votes, the Nationalist MEP received 90.2% of the total casted votes available.

This is yet another record breaking result for Metsola as this result is the highest percentage of a vote for a President of the European Parliament in history.

There were 76 votes which were blank and void such as the vote of Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba who decided to abstain from voting.

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Roberta Metsola Makes History As First Woman To Be Re-Elected As President Of European Parliament

Jul 16 2024

Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as President of the European Parliament, making history once again. This significant achievement marks the first time a woman will serve two consecutive terms in this prestigious role, reinforcing Metsola’s legacy in European politics.

Since its establishment in 1952, the European Parliament has seen 33 Presidents, including iconic figures such as Paul Henri Spaak and Robert Schuman. Metsola, who first took office in January 2022, became the 33rd President and only the third woman to hold the position. Her predecessors, Simone Veil (1979) and Nicole Fontaine (1999), were both trailblazing Frenchwomen. As the first Maltese and the youngest President ever, Metsola has broken multiple barriers.

The election process for the European Parliament President is outlined in the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, specifically rules 14 to 16. The outgoing President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, oversees the election. Eight tellers, chosen by lot from among the MEPs, ensure the integrity of the process.

The 10th legislature of the European Parliament began its session today in Strasbourg, with the election of the President as the first item on the agenda. The session was opened by Metsola herself, who then handed over proceedings to Vice-President.

Today, after the ballots were counted, Roberta Metsola was re-elected, becoming the first female President to serve two consecutive terms and the second President overall to achieve this, following German Socialist Martin Schulz (2012-2017).

Upon her re-election, Metsola delivered a powerful address, emphasising her commitment to the values of the European Union and the challenges ahead. She reaffirmed her dedication to the Parliament’s role in shaping EU policies and representing the citizens of Europe.

As President, Metsola will continue to wield extensive executive and representative powers. Her role is pivotal in the EU institutional framework and on the international stage, reflecting the Parliament’s influence as a co-legislator and policy shaper.

Metsola’s re-election is a moment of immense pride for Malta, highlighting the country’s growing influence in European affairs. Her leadership promises continuity and stability for the Parliament as it navigates critical issues such as supporting Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression and addressing the EU’s internal and external challenges.

The European Parliament will also elect Vice-Presidents and Quaestors in this session, setting the stage for the next two-and-a-half years of legislative activity. The session will address key topics, including the election of the President of the European Commission and debates on critical policies and international relations.

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Gareth Southgate Officially Leaves England National Team

Jul 16 2024

Former English player Gareth Southgate has officially left his role as national team coach only days after England’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in another Euro final.

The news has come as a shock to many despite intense speculation that this would be his last tournament and outing as the England manager.

Many would have thought that Southgate after coming so close again would have loved another opportunity to finally lead the Three Lions to a major tournament win.

Southgate had this to say after announcing his departure; “As proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England”.

“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all”.

“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. I’m leaving my role”.

The question on everyone’s mind will now be who will replace Gareth, with reports stating that the coveted job will go either to Graham Potter or Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.

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Cyrus Engerer Says Goodbye To European Parliament

Jul 16 2024

Outgoing MEP, Cyrus Engerer has penned goodbye to the European Parliament in a heartfelt Instagram post ahead of the reshuffle of the European Parliament following the elections held last June.

Engerer who has recently distanced himself from the Labour Party and tribal politics decided not to run for a second consecutive MEP campaign. He has however joined new political NGO ‘Il-Kollettiv’ who have promised to set up a new political party ahead of the next election.

In his post he stated that “It was a privilege and an honour to represent all European citizens in the only directly elected institution of the European Union and I would like to thank Maltese & Gozitan citizens for choosing me to fulfill this task.”

He also pointed out that he and his team tried to do things differently, “Away from the tribal politics that Malta is used to.”

Cyrus also stated that “We fought to safeguard fundamental rights and pushed for more civil rights and liberties. We focused on the rule of law and justice while we fought the far-right’s onslaught on women, migrants, the LGBTIQ community and the European Union itself.”

He ended his post by dedicating his medal of achievement “to all those who have been left outside because somehow they’re told that they are different.” and “Those who have been told that its impossible and that they can’t change things.”

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