09/01/2023 (Agence Europe) – The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, paid tribute to the memory of the former President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, who died in early 2022 (see EUROPE 12866/1), on Monday 9 January in Rome at the presentation of a book compiling key speeches by the Italian socialist. “David knew that democracy is fragile and must be protected from the enemies within and outside. David would never have tolerated corruption - neither within the ranks of Parliamentarians nor within any government body. He would now fight with all his strength for honesty and against foreign interference in our democracy – just like the current leadership of the European Parliament is doing”, she said, referring to the corruption scandal rocking the European Parliament. Roberta Metsola, who succeeded Mr Sassoli, announced far-reaching reforms for early 2023 to restore confidence in the Parliament (see EUROPE 13085/4). (MB)