Martin Schulz was reelected as President of the European Parliament on Tuesday for another two and a half year term, after winning 409 out of 612 valid votes cast in the first ballot. A total of 723 MEP’s voted, with 111 blank or invalid votes
At a secret ballot, Schultz received the required absolute majority that allowed his re-election to the presidency of the body, enjoying the support of the major political powers of the EP. Together with European Socialists and the European People`s Party, Schultz was also supported by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats.
Schultz’s election is considered to be an agreement of the major political parties in the European Parliament, in relation to the choice of Jean – Claude Juncker for the Presidency of the European Commission.
Schultz opponents, Spanish Pablo Iglesias who was supported by the European United Left (GUE), the British Conservative Sajjad Karim (ECR) and the Austrian Ulrike Lunacek (Greens / EFA), received 51, 101 and 51 votes respectively.
Addressing the European Parliament after his election, Schultz said he was honoured to be the first President in the history of the European Parliament to be re-elected for a second two and a half year term.
Outlining the major challenges to be faced by the new European Parliament, Schultz talked about the dramatic youth unemployment, particularly below 25, the inequalities, the need for more control of the banks and negotiating commercial agreements with USA. He also referred to the need for a map for digital rights for the 21st century, an immigration policy, an energy policy and a policy for the protection of natural resources.
He also made a special plea to the new procedure for electing the President of the European Commission, which must now be approved by the European Parliament.
“I will take my duty very seriously, because we are heart of the European democracy, keeping the task of passing legislation and overseeing its enforcement. An overwhelming majority of this house drew the conclusion that the leading candidate in the European election should become the President of European Commission, therefore a German word, Spitzenkandidat, has entered into several other European languages”, he said.
He added that this is a huge success and a process of deep change in Europe for which the EP should be proud.
The new EP president said it was unacceptable, that after the crisis in Ukraine, the world fears a war in Europe.
He emphasized that MEPs should “demand that people who trade with the EU should respect rule of law, not rule of the strongest”.
Under Parliament`s Rules of Procedure, to be elected President, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one. Blank or spoiled ballots do not count in calculating the majority required.