Graham Watson in bid for parliament's presidency

Source: ALDE press release

Date: 7 January 2009

Graham Watson launches bid to be next EP President

ALDE Group Leader Graham Watson has launched his campaign for the presidency of the European Parliament. Speaking about his ambitions for the Parliament's future, Mr. Watson said:

"For too long, Presidents of Parliament have been chosen through backroom deals in smoke-filled rooms. Mine will be the first ever public campaign for the presidency: in this I hope that I will set a precedent.

"We need a proper debate about the role and priorities of the next President. This is what European democracy should be about.

"I hope that by going public with my campaign I will stimulate debate about the candidates and the issues, and spark a contest which will be decided on merit not convenience.

"I have written to every MEP informing them of my intentions, and next week I will unveil the priorities that would mark out my presidency."

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