Antonio Tajani : Next president of the European Parliament

Q.  Who has been elected the new president of the European Parliament?
- Published on 19 Jan 17

a. Martin Schulz
b. Gianni Pitella
c. Silvio Berlusconi
d. Antonio Tajani

ANSWER: Antonio Tajani
 
Antonio Tajani : Next president of the European ParliamentItalian conservative and former spokesperson for Italy's Silvio Berlusconi, Antonio Tajani has been elected the new president.

63-year-old Tajani is a former EU commissioner as well.

He will head the European Parliament, taking over from Martin Schulz of Germany.

Tajani defeated fellow Italian Gianni Pitella for the post.

The European Parliament has the power to block/amend EU laws. It will have a final say on whether the Brexit deal will be approved with the UK.

Tajani secured 351 votes, Pitella, 282. The contest ran for its maximum 4 rounds.

European People's Party, under which Tajani fought, benefited from a coalition. The ALDE or parliament liberals were its ally, who hope to curb the influence of anti EU populists.

Pitella was a socialist.

ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt withdrew his candidacy, paving the way for Tajani's victory.

EPP candidate Tajani dedicated his win to those who succumbed in Italy earthquake and the victims of terrorists.

The Centre-Right now controls three major EU institutions. These are the EU Commission, Council and Parliament.

EPP is the biggest group in the parliament followed by the Socialists & Democrats group fielding Pitella. ALDE liberals are the 4th largest group.

Meanwhile, Martin Schulz is leaving the EU parliament to return to national politics in Germany.

The successor to him will have to sign off the deal for Britain's exit from the EU by late 2018-early 2019.

Know More About the European Parliament
  • European Parliament (EP) is the directly elected parliamentary institution of EU.
  • President: Antonio Tajani, EPP, since 17 January 2017
  • Vice Presidents Number: 14
  • Leader of largest political group: Manfred Weber, EPP
  • Leader of 2nd largest political group: Gianni Pittella, S&D

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