” “"If, in January, I were elected new president of the European Parliament, I would certainly fight for the Berlin Declaration of March 25th 2007 on the future of the European integration process to be endorsed by the three EU institutions (Parliament, Council and Commission) and not just by the heads of state and government". The German Hans-Gert Poettering, currently at the helm of the People’s Party within the EU Assembly, explains to SIR his "strategy", although he always speaks in the conditional. Tonight in Strasbourg, the PPE is expected to submit his nomination as president of the European Parliament for the voting due on January 16th. Usually the place on the highest chair of the assembly alternates once every two and a half years, i.e. one half of the term. All forecasts suggest Poettering will be the successor of the current president, the Spanish Josep Borrell. "I believe explains Poettering the president of Parliament should first and foremost respect all MEPs and all the political positions that they represent" and must endeavour "so that, within the EU, the Assembly, directly elected by the citizens, may improve its political and legislative role, as it happened with the Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam". (to be continued)” “
