News

Jerzy Buzek elected new President of the European Parliament

21 August 2009

Polish MEP Jerzy Buzek (EPP) has been elected President of the European Parliament for the next two and half years, replacing Hans-Gert Pöttering. The ballot took place on 14 July 2009 in Strasbourg, during the opening session of the new European Parliament. Mr Buzek was elected with 555 votes. He began his political career as an activist for the "Solidarity" trade union movement in Poland. He would later become Prime Minister of his country between 1997 and 2001. Buzek participated in the accession negotiations and prepared the country for integration into the European Union. "It's both an enormous challenge and a great honour," Buzek said, mentioning the importance of understanding the needs of citizens, in order to "carry our work properly." Read more here.