Presidency of the European Parliament: I am putting my name forward as a candidate for the EPP Group

President Schulz’ announcement opens the campaign for his replacement as President of the European Parliament.

I would like to pay tribute to Martin Schulz’ work. Since the entry-into-force of the Lisbon Treaty, he has been able, after Jerzy Buzek, to give the position new authority as well as new visibility. I wish him all the best for his new post that he will take up in Germany.

Since the very first day, the Presidency of the European Parliament has been subject to a rotation system between the main political groups and among the Member States for obvious reasons.

According to the procedure and the internal schedule approved by the EPP Group, I am putting my name forward as a candidate of my Group for this election.

Europe is going through unprecedented times of internal and external crises. Its unity has been seriously jeopardised. Now more than ever, the Union needs strong European Institutions which must be closer to the citizens, to defend the common interest and the common values of the European family. This commands a strong relationship between Parliament and Commission. It will also require strong initiatives to rebuild a sense of solidarity among the Member States.

I intend to dedicate myself to this task, with all my European fervour, thus making the most of the long political experience I have acquired successively as a locally-elected representative, in the French government and, since 1999, at the European Parliament.