First elected to the post in January 2022, the Maltese politician from the European People’s Party (EPP) will remain in the role for an additional 2.5 years after securing the support of a majority of the newly elected 720 members of the European Parliament, with 562 votes in her favor.
Her reelection was widely anticipated as she ran virtually unopposed. The only other candidate was The Left’s Irene Montero, Spain’s former minister of equality, who submitted a symbolic candidacy against Metsola and received 61 votes. The five-year mandate of the Parliament president has traditionally been split between the center-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the center-right EPP.
When the time comes for the S&D to pick a successor to Metsola, potential candidates include Spain’s Iratxe García, leader of the S&D group in Parliament, or a prominent figure within Italy’s Democratic Party, the largest force in the S&D.
Speaking before the vote, Metsola reflected on her upbringing as a “woman who grew up on an island in our Mediterranean Sea,” viewing the EU as a place of high standards, opportunities, and unlimited potential. She recounted her “unlikely” journey to the heart of European politics and pledged “strong leadership,” promising to continue advocating for the Parliament’s right to initiate legislation. Metsola emphasized the importance of a Parliament unafraid to lead and change, paying tribute to the late former President David Sassoli, and asserted her commitment to making difficult decisions when necessary.
In her acceptance speech, Metsola addressed a range of issues that resonated with various sections of the Parliament. She spoke of enhancing border efforts and returns with “a human approach” to manage migration, boosting Europe’s industry, cutting red tape to enhance competitiveness, and protecting civil liberties and women’s rights across the bloc. Highlighting the ongoing conflict, she stressed that “the Russian war of aggression remains at the top of our agenda,” noting her position as the first EU leader to visit Ukraine after the war’s outbreak.
“I will work every day to meet your expectations,” Metsola assured the MEPs. Her leadership has been marked by navigating the Parliament through challenging times, including the cash-for-influence scandal known as Qatargate, and leading the institution’s support for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.
With her reelection, Metsola becomes one of the four key leaders guiding the EU in the coming years, alongside the head of the European Commission, the European Council president, and the EU’s top diplomat. While former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has secured his post as Council chief following the nomination by EU leaders in June, incumbent Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing a tight confirmation vote in the European Parliament. Estonia’s former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, the contender to become the bloc’s next top diplomat, will undergo scrutiny by the Parliament’s defense and foreign affairs committees later in the year.
Metsola’s continued leadership promises stability and a firm stance on critical issues facing the EU, reflecting her commitment to both internal and external challenges. As she takes on her renewed role, her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and drive forward the European Parliament’s agenda will be crucial in shaping the future of the EU.
