Italy's Antonio Tajani elected EU parliament president

PanARMENIAN.Net - Italy's Antonio Tajani, an ally of scandal-hit former premier Silvio Berlusconi, was elected as the new European Parliament president Tuesday, January 17 after a bitterly fought vote, AFP reports.

The centre-right politician will play a key role at a time of crisis for the European Union, with the assembly having the final say on any deal for Britain's exit from the bloc.

After the maximum four rounds of voting that lasted all day, Tajani of the European People's Party got 351 votes while his socialist rival Gianni Pittella got 282.

"I congratulate you warmly. I wish you good luck as you carry out your mandate," outgoing leader Martin Schulz of Germany said as he shook hands with Tajani.

European Council leader Donald Tusk hailed the importance of a position at the head of the EU's only elected body.

"I congratulate Antonio Tajani as next EP (European Parliament) President and look forward to cooperating. A united, strong EU needs a constructive, effective EP," Tusk said.

Tajani, 63, is a former EU Commissioner who was criticised for his handling of the Volkswagen "Dieselgate" emissions row and who previously served as spokesman for scandal-plagued Berlusconi.

He was elected after the EPP and the main Liberal group in the parliament formed a "pro-European" alliance against rising populism.

Liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt, who is the parliament's Brexit negotiator, quit the race as a result.

"It is absolutely necessary. With Trump, with Putin, with many other challenges Europe faces, it is key we cooperate to reform our union," said Verhofstadt.