The absolute majority achieved by Metsola, who was until now acting as the interim president of the EP after David Sassoli’s death, meant that a second round of voting was not needed. Swedish Greens MEP Alice Bah Kuhnke came in second place with 101 votes. The Left’s Spanish MEP Sira Rego came third with 57 votes. While the Polish MEP Kosma Złotowski withdrew his candidacy.

“The first thing I would like to do as president is think about the legacy of David Sassoli: he was a fighter, he fought for Europe and for us, for this Parliament. [...] I will honor David Sassoli as President, always defending Europe, our common values ​​of democracy, dignity, justice, solidarity, equality, the rule of law and fundamental rights,” said Metsola.

Representing the European People’s Party, the parliament’s largest group, Metsola ensured her position as front-runner after Sassoli decided not to run for reelection last December.

The elections took place remotely due to the increased rate of positive covid-19 cases after a decision by the European Parliament stated it was “dangerous” for MEPs to gather at the moment.