Former Italian Air Force officer Antonio Tajani elected President of the European Parliament
After four rounds of voting the Italian is victorious after receiving a majority of 351 votes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A former Italian Air Force officer has been elected the new president of the European Parliament.
After four rounds of voting Antonio Tajani was victorious, receiving 351 votes and beating his fellow countryman Gianni Pittella who achieved a total of 202.
The 53-year-old is a member of the European People’s Party (EPP), a pro-European centre-right political party whose current leader is Jean-Claude-Juncker, the president of the European Commission.
In his victory speech he devoted the result to the victims of the Italian earthquake.
“This was as democratic process and as I said today, I will be the president of all, I will respect all members of parliament and all groups,” Mr Tajani said.
He was previously one of 14 vice-presidents of the European Union and will succeed German socialist MEP Martin Schulz who served as president for five years.
Before his career in politics he was an officer in the Italian Air Force and was also editor of parliamentary affairs for “Il Settimanale”, a weekly magazine.
His election came on the day Theresa May outlined her plans for Britain to leave the European Union.
The British Prime Minister said the United Kingdom would not remain a full member of the EU customs union after Brexit and instead would negotiate its own trade deals with the rest of the world.
Ms May suggested Britain would prefer to retain a form of "associate membership" of the union, limiting the increase in red tape for businesses who export to continental Europe.
Mr Tajani’s victory is likely to have an impact on Ms May’s plans as the European Parliament must approve the withdrawal treaty.
The British Parliament must give their consent to any new treaty that is agreed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments