Brussels, 07/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Group, British Liberal Democrat Graham Watson officially launched his campaign for the presidency of the European Parliament on Wednesday 7 January.
In a press release, Watson says: “For too long, presidents of Parliament have been chosen through backroom deals in smoke-filled rooms. Mine will be the first ever public campaign for the presidency: in this I hope that I will set a precedent. We need a proper debate about the role and priorities of the next president. This is what European democracy should be about. I hope that by going public with my campaign I will stimulate debate about the candidates and the issues, and spark a contest which will be decided on merit not convenience. I have written to every MEP informing them of my intentions, and next week I will unveil the priorities that would mark out my presidency”. (O.J./transl.rt)