Saturday, January 21, 2012

German Schulz is elected EU Parliament chief

Germany's Martin Schulz reacts during the election of the European Parliament new president in Strasbourg, eastern France on Tuesday. Photo:AP
 
  • A German socialist known for his fiery rhetoric has been elected president of the European Parliament, promising to increase the role of the 27-nation legislature.
  • Martin Schulz replaces Poland’s Jerzy Buzek, who did not seek re-election. He handily defeated two British legislators Nirj Deva and Diana Wallis in the first round of balloting on Tuesday. 
  • Mr. Schulz gained international prominence in 2003 when Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi called him an ideal choice for a Nazi concentration camp guard. Berlusconi was forced to apologize later. 
  • The long-time socialist leader in the legislature, Mr. Schulz plans to use his new position to seek more European integration and more political power to help tackle the financial crisis.

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