EU: plenary in Strasbourg. Procedure for the election of the President of the European Parliament

(Strasbourg) The President of the European Parliament “enjoys a broad range of executive and representative powers, extending to all powers that are necessary to preside over the proceedings of Parliament and to ensure that they are properly conducted”. This clarification comes from the European Parliament’s offices, mobilised for the inaugural session in Strasbourg (15 to 19 July). But how is the President elected? Candidates may be put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold, i.e. 1/20th of MEPs. Ahead of the vote, candidates may address the plenary for a maximum of five minutes, a note explains. The election takes place by secret ballot and requires an absolute majority of valid votes cast. Blank or spoiled votes are not taken into account. The deadline for presidential nominations is Monday, 15 July, at 19.00. “If no candidate is elected in the first round of voting, the same or other candidates can be nominated for a second round under the same conditions. A third round may take place if necessary, again with the same rules. If none of the candidates are elected in the third round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes in the third round proceed to a fourth and final round of voting, in which the candidate receiving the most votes wins”. Voting will take place by paper ballot, not by electronic means. Once elected, the new President will take the chair and may deliver an opening address.Gianni Borsa