Brussels, 24/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - The heads of the Socialist Group delegation discussed the presidency of the new European Parliament on Wednesday in Brussels. It is known that the majority of national delegations are in favour of a "technical" agreement with the EPP-ED on this subject, whereas the Italian and French delegations are more reserved. The Socialist Group will take a final decision on 5 July. For now, there is a Socialist candidate for the presidency: - British Labour member Terence Wynn, MEP since 1989 and outgoing Chairman of the Committee on Budgets.
Pasqualina Napoletano, Chair of the Democratici di sinistra delegation, comments: The next Parliament President should "ensure an impetus role at the European Parliament and make a significant contribution to the complex process of ratification of the Constitution. We would therefore be in favour of a candidate with clear political prestige and who represents a country in favour of European construction".