The Left has nominated Sira Rego (Izquierda Unida, Spain) as the candidate for president of the European Parliament.

“We see our candidacy to the presidency of the European Parliament as an opportunity to lay down our proposal for a completely different model of European integration and the role of the Parliament in it,” Rego explains.

First elected as an MEP back in May, Rego had previously worked on energy and sustainability issues at a local level – both of which, she believes, are fundamental for the Left in Europe.

Coming from Spain, a country faced with an immense struggle against the EU’s neoliberal policies, it is also where the feminist movement has been amongst the strongest in Europe.

“Our goal is to bring the inspiration and momentum of these social movements into the European Parliament,” Rego continues.

As a member of Izquierda Unida, she was elected as part of the Unidas Podemos list of candidates to the European Parliament:

“My election is an example of the unity between different leftist, environmentalist and feminist organisations and activists which will be the basis of our work in the upcoming years,” she said.

GUE/NGL has also chosen Dimitris Papadimoulis (Syriza, Greece) as the candidate for Vice President of the European Parliament – a post he has held since 2014:

“It’s an honour that GUE/NGL has nominated me once again as the candidate for Vice Parliament.”

“The experience I have gained during these past five years has been invaluable. Throughout my time as Vice President, I have faithfully served this institution and the citizens of the European Union, respecting and promoting the founding ideas and principles of constructive participation, transparency and democratic accountability.

“If elected, I pledge to continue my service with the same commitment by helping to advance our work and strengthen the role of the Parliament for a better Europe,” he concluded.