Key facts
- European Parliament lawmakers face a midterm reshuffle of top posts, including the presidency and committee chairmanships.
- The European People's Party (EPP) is negotiating the terms for potentially re-electing Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
- The Socialists are deciding whether to challenge Metsola, citing a supposed power-sharing agreement.
- Renew and the Greens are considering independent negotiations with the EPP.
- The far-right Patriots for Europe group is seeking a vice-presidency position.
European Parliament lawmakers are heading into their summer recess facing significant political negotiations over the chamber's midterm reshuffle. The contest for top posts, including the presidency, 14 vice-presidencies, and 26 committee chairmanships, will test existing alliances and potentially redraw the political landscape for the next two years.
Most lawmakers anticipate that European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will seek a third term. However, the Socialists claim an unpublished agreement with the EPP and Renew Europe entitles them to the presidency at this midpoint. This puts the EPP in a position to decide how much it is willing to offer the Socialists for their support, or if it can secure enough votes from other factions, potentially including right-wing and far-right groups.
EPP lawmakers are reportedly considering offering sweeteners such as the Parliament secretary-generalship, currently held by Alessandro Chiocchetti, or additional vice-presidencies and committee chairmanships. Some within the EPP believe the center-left is too weak to dictate terms, while others acknowledge Metsola's popularity with the right and far right. Irish MEP Barry Andrews highlighted the need to understand Metsola's stance on potential formal cooperation with the far right.
The Socialists, led by Iratxe García, are weighing whether to challenge Metsola. Under a supposed power-sharing arrangement, the presidency should pass to Germany's Social Democratic Party, with Vice-President Katarina Barley considered a potential candidate. Some argue for a symbolic challenge to strengthen their negotiating position, while others see little benefit in a contest they are likely to lose.
Renew and the Greens, who have often aligned with the Socialists against the EPP's reliance on right-wing support, are considering negotiating separately with the EPP. A senior Renew lawmaker indicated a willingness to support Metsola if their group is treated well and positions are retained. The Greens are also discussing an early deal with Metsola, seeing little prospect for the Socialists to win.
The Patriots for Europe, the third-largest group, currently holds no senior administrative roles and is seeking a vice-presidency. Their chief whip, Marieke Ehlers, stated the importance of representation in the bureau. Despite EPP leader Manfred Weber's stated red line against handing power to the far right, secret ballots for vice-presidents could allow EPP lawmakers to support a Patriots candidate discreetly.