Brussels, 14 July 2009

The President of the European People's Party (EPP) Wilfried Martens expressed his delight for the overwhelming support that Jerzy Buzek, the former Polish Prime Minister and Civic Platform MEP, received with his election as the new President of the European Parliament. Buzek, the EPP candidate, received 555 votes out of the 736 MEPs and secured the support of the main political groups in the European Parliament. President Buzek, together with Prime Minister of Sweden Fredrik Reinfeldt and President Jose Manuel Barroso, complete the triad of EPP leaders that will head the EU in the coming months.

"Today's overwhelming support for Jerzy Buzek is not only great news for the EPP and for the Parliament, it is also great news for Europe. It is the first time that a politician from the new Member States is elected in a top EU position; a politician with exceptional leadership qualities and vast experience," stated the EPP President.

"First as a central figure in the democratic movement of Poland, then as Prime Minister, later as European parliamentarian, and now as President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek will bring much-needed leadership to the EU. I am convinced that President Buzek, together with Prime Minister Reinfeldt and President Barroso, will effectively and swiftly deal with the many complex challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to working with President Busek in the EPP Presidency and EPP Summit," Martens added.

Moreover, EPP Secretary General and MEP Antonio Lopez-Isturiz sent his warmest wishes to President Busek:

“The election of our good friend and colleague Jerzy Buzek comes at a moment when Europe is in need of vision, experience, and leadership. President Buzek embodies all of these qualities and I am certain that he will succeed in his new role – needless to say, the EPP and our member-parties will provide him with full political backing.”

Finally, President Martens also thanked outgoing EP President Hans-Gert Poettering:

“I also like to pay tribute to the outgoing President of the European Parliament, my longtime friend Hans-Gert Poettering. Poettering has dedicated all of his life to the European project; his ability as President of the European Parliament to upgrade the profile and role of this seminal democratic institution is his crowning achievement.”

For more information:

Kostas Sasmatzoglou, Spokesman, Tel. +32-2-2854147

Javier Jiménez, Press Officer, Tel: +32-475480446

Please also visit www.epp.eu