EPP group elects Weber as chair

The European parliament's EPP group has elected German MEP Manfred Weber as its new chair, succeeding the outgoing Joseph Daul.

By Kayleigh Rose Lewis

04 Jun 2014

Weber, who was previously the group's vice-chairman, was the sole candidate and was elected with 190 votes from a potential 192.

Speaking after the vote, Weber said, "The EPP group, as the largest political force in the European parliament, has once again received the trust of Europe's voters, representing the political centre of the new parliament.

"It is also the first political group that will, as of this week, have fully constituted itself," he added.

He continued, "As the leading political group in the European parliament, voters gave us a task and a mandate to address the key challenges Europe has to face.

"These include the EU's contribution to creating the right conditions for economic growth and new jobs, especially for the young generation, and continuing our work to stabilise financial markets."

The newly elected group chair also discussed the role of the European parliament, saying, "as the only directly-elected European institution… [it] has to play a leading role in strengthening trust in the EU".

"In order to improve the transparency of decision making processes, we need clear-cut responsibilities. European citizens must know who is responsible for what, this also includes binding commitments and policy goals," he concluded.

Daul, who will remain president of the EPP party but stands down as an MEP, congratulated Weber, saying that the elections show "that the EPP group is united and ready to start work".

"His experience and personality embody the EPP's core values: the conviction that Europe is stronger united, coupled with the firm belief in the importance of building an EU closer to its citizens and able to deliver real added-value."

Weber will chair this afternoon's EPP group meeting, during which the group's vice-chairs will be elected.

 

Twitter reacts to the news:

 

Read the most recent articles written by Kayleigh Rose Lewis - Parliament Magazine MEP Cocktail Reception