European Parliament Elects New President with Expanded Powers

Strategic Insights -

The European Parliament, the EU's only democratically elected body, has elected a new president, Klaus Hansch, a German Socialist, with a two-and-a-half year term. Hansch, a 55-year-old former journalist, will lead the assembly, which has expanded powers under the 1992 Maastricht Treaty. The Parliament, which has 567 members, has the authority to amend or veto legislation and has the right of initiative, allowing it to require the Commission to propose action in any area. This marks a significant shift in the Parliament's role, making it a more prominent player in EU matters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Klaus Hansch, a 55-year-old German Socialist, was elected as the new President of the European Parliament with 365 votes, serving a two-and-a-half year term.
  • The European Parliament has expanded powers under the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, allowing it to amend or veto legislation and exercise the right of initiative.
  • The Parliament has 567 members, with Socialists forming the largest single bloc, having won 200 seats in the June elections.
  • The Parliament will vote on Thursday on the nomination of Luxembourg Prime Minister Jacques Santer to replace Jacques Delors as the new President of the European Commission.
  • New faces in the assembly include French tycoon Bernard Tapie, Charles de Gaulle, grandson of the former French prime minister, and Greek singer Nana Mouskouri.
  • De Gaulle will be among a number of anti-Maastricht legislators from several countries in the new Parliament.

Statistics:

  • 365 votes: The number of votes Klaus Hansch received in the election.
  • 87 votes: The number of votes Yves Galland, the only other candidate, received.
  • 567 members: The total number of members in the European Parliament.
  • 200: The number of seats Socialists won in the June elections.
  • 2.5 years: The length of Klaus Hansch's term as President of the European Parliament.
  • 1992: The year the Maastricht Treaty on European Union was signed.
  • 12 nations: The number of nations in the European Union.

Sources:

  • "The European Parliament met for the first time Tuesday, armed with expanded powers..." (Source: Reuters)
  • "Klaus Hansch, a 55-year-old former journalist, received 365 votes from the 567-member Parliament..." (Source: Reuters)
  • "Socialists form the largest single bloc in the new assembly, having won 200 seats in the June elections to the Parliament in the 12 nations of the European Union." (Source: Reuters)
  • "The Parliament is to vote Thursday on the nomination of Luxembourg Prime Minister Jacques Santer to replace Jacques Delors as the new president of the European Commission." (Source: Reuters)