11/01/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 11 January the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament nominated Swedish MEP Alice Kunkhe as candidate for the Presidency of the European Parliament to succeed Italian MEP David Sassoli (S&D), who died on Monday night (see EUROPE 12866/1). The environmental and regionalist group decided to support neither the EPP candidate, Roberta Metsola from Malta, nor The Left candidate, Sira Rego from Spain, after they spoke earlier this afternoon, mainly for ideological reasons, we were told. Ms Kunkhe was chosen over French MEP Karima Delli. Both candidates were given 30 minutes to express their interest. After a short presentation, a vote was held by secret ballot. The Swedish MEP was elected with 30 votes against 22 for the French MEP. The election for the European Parliament Presidency will be held on Tuesday 18 January. (PH and DG)