Strasbourg, 7 May 2009
Pottering sums up his term as he bids farewell to his presidency
In a calm voice that perhaps belied his emotions, Hans-Gert Pottering gave his farewell speech after two and a half years as Parliament's President on Wednesday. He noted that since the last elections the House had adapted to MEPs from 12 new countries, adopted scores of pieces of legislation and had undertaken internal reform. He also spoke of the support it had given to the Middle East peace process and cultural exchange. He finished by urging people to vote in the June elections.
On the admission of 12 new countries and their MEPs, he said the process had been "unquestionably a success." He said Parliament "has gained in experience, strength and also cultural richness."