By Martin Banks - 17th January 2012
Martin Schulz can deliver on all three counts”
Philip Cordery
Commission president José Manuel Barroso has led reaction to the election of German Social Democrat Martin Schulz as the new president of parliament.
Schulz - whose election was seen as a formality after an agreement between the leaders of the two biggest groups in the parliament - received 387 votes, the lowest of any president in recent history.
Speaking after Schulz's election to parliament's top job on Tuesday, Barroso said, "In this time of crisis, when the challenges before us are great, it is more important than ever for the different political forces to work together for a strong Europe."
He also paid tribute to the other two candidates who stood in the election, Diana Wallis and Nirj Deva.
Barroso also paid tribute to outgoing president Jerzy Buzek who, he said, had "presided over parliament in an impressive and principled manner in historic and testing times".
"During his mandate, we have seen the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty, as well as the most challenging economic and political period of the EU's history," he added.
Deva, who came second with 142 votes, said, "I have come to respect Schulz but I am still pleased that I stood against him. It was important for his own legitimacy that he was elected by this parliament, and not crowned by a couple of MEPs making deals.
"I am so grateful to the 142 people who gave me their support. Coming from a medium-sized group I was delighted to have effectively tripled my core vote."
Deva added, "In his speech Schulz made a gracious offer to work together with Diana Wallis and myself. I am very grateful to him for such a kind gesture and I will happily offer my services if I can. The president should feel free to take ideas from my platform, particularly the parts related to improving transparency of decision-making and giving parliament the right to choose where it sits.
"The manner in which the leadership of the two big groups stitch up this contest - with the now tacit approval of the Liberal group - diminishes the parliament in the eyes of the public. If Joseph Dual and Martin Schulz really want to reconnect this parliament with the people then there is one immediate gesture they should make: no more deals.
"The fact that almost half the parliament supported British candidates should not be underplayed in importance. It shows that we do still have friends and allies in Europe.
"Indeed, today it is more important than ever to reinforce European democracy."
Further comment came from ECR leader Martin Callahan, who predicted that Buzek would be "an extremely hard act to follow".
Speaking in Strasbourg, he told Schulz, "You told Deer Spiegel magazine just last week that: "The people are tired of decisions being made behind closed doors." I agree with that statement but it is not without a certain irony given the manner of your election."
Elsewhere, S&D vice-president Maria Badia i Cutchet said, "We will look forward to having a Social Democrat voice leading parliament and to working closely together in future.
"There is a great need for the new president to strengthen the role of the parliament. In the light of the latest discussions around a new inter-governmental treaty this is of ever greater importance. We need to ensure that any future action is based on the principle of democratic participation and thus the 'Community method' ".
President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Sergei Stanishev said he "warmly welcomed" the result, adding, "Martin has been elected president at a crucial time."
"He is committed to ensuring that parliament takes even greater steps to be the voice of Europe's people in the EU institutions. At this time, the EU is being assailed by economic hardship, by often arbitrary credit rating decisions, and by increasingly non-democratic sentiment.
"Martin will ensure that parliament's reputation as the guardian of democratic standards and economic fairness, will be greatly enhanced."
PES general secretary Philip Cordery said, "Citizens are crying out for better connection from the EU. They require greater transparency, higher democratic standards, and a political direction based on fairness. Martin Schulz can deliver on all three counts."
