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5 NEWS 20.1.2022 BUSINESS bodies have come forward to congratulate Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola on her election as President of the European Parliament. Metsola received 74% of valid votes cast in the hemicycle in Strasbourg on Tuesday to become the third female president of the EP and the youngest ever elected. 'A prestigious appointment' e Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry congratulated Roberta Metsola on becoming Presi- dent of the European Parliament and wished her success in her new role. "is is indeed a prestigious appoint- ment which can contribute to elevating Malta's profile at EU level and interna- tionally," the Malta Chamber said. "e Malta Chamber looks forward to col- laboration in every possible way." Challenging times e Malta Business Bureau said that with her election, Metsola was making history as the first Maltese citizen to take up such a prestigious position. "She is also breaking barriers by achieving this despite being from the smallest EU Member State, and also as the first female President in 20 years." MBB President Alison Mizzi wished Metsola a successful mandate. "Roberta can be proud for obtaining the confidence of a great majority of MEPs from so many diverse countries and political backgrounds. e work she undertook in the European Parliament shows her abilities to negotiate while fighting hard for what she believes in. For this reason, she deserves the recognition received with today's vote," she said. "Metsola is also taking the leadership of the European Parliament in very challenging times. Globally we are still fighting our way through a pandemic, and Europe is still finding its way to eco- nomic recovery. At the same time the EU is paving the way for the green and digital transitions. Apart from the policy and legislative cycles, the EU itself is in the process of transforming itself to remain relevant for the citizens of Europe. Roberta has the privilege and the responsibility of being in the centre of this process and I am sure she will stand up to the occasion." MBB CEO Joe Tanti also commend- ed Metsola. "Being the only Maltese private sector organisation with an EU representation in Brussels, the MBB has continuously liaised with MEP Metsola and her office over the past years. Rob- erta is a humble and visionary leader who is always well-prepared for every point of discussion and has actively co- operated with our initiatives. For this, we are very grateful," she said. "I have no doubt that her good quali- ties will allow Roberta to do an excellent job as European Parliament President, which will meet and exceed the expec- tations at European level." e Malta Business Bureau is the EU-business advisory office of e Mal- ta Chamber and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. e Malta Business Bureau is a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network. 'A great honour' e Malta Developers Association said it was a great honour for Malta and all Maltese to have one of their MEPs elected EP president with a great ma- jority of votes coming from all the EU member states and across different po- litical parties. e MDA said it was also pleased to note the positive way in which Malta's current administration had welcomed the news and said it is hopeful that this will lead to all parties acting on a united front, for the good of the country, the good of the Maltese population, and the good of the Maltese industries. "Metsola's new prestige position in the European Parliament is an honour for her and for Malta," the MDA said. "MDA hopes that this will continue to strengthen our relations within the EU and with other member states." The national interest UHM Voice of the Workers said Met- sola's appointment conveys a strong message in favour of the principle of meritocracy. "Metsola's success comes after 20 years of hard political work during which she rose t hrough the ranks on her own steam and with the demo- cratic support of the electorate." At the same time, Metsola always put the national interest first, UHM Voice of the Workers said, even when it meant taking a tough stand on sen- sitive national issues, including the rule of law, corruption and the brutal murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Time had shown that those decisions were not motivated by any partisan considerations. On the other hand, Metsola's stance which had the ultimate objective of conveying a strong message in favour of what is right, had been vindicated. "News of your appointment should be a steppingstone to start restor- ing Malta's reputation after several years during which our country most- ly made headlines for the wrong rea- sons. May the unity that has reigned in these days prior to your nomination continue, as this is the only way Mal- ta can overcome the great challenges ahead of it, including being struck off the grey list," UHM Voice of the Workers said. The European Project The Gozo Tourism Association said that the EU Parliamentary support garnered by Metsola to achieve such a strong vote was proof of her political abilities and belief in the European project. "This historic election of Dr. Roberta Metsola, apart from being a personal achievement, it is also a moment for all of us, Maltese and Gozitans to unite and celebrate as one nation this accomplishment," the Gozo Tourism Association said. "This EU episode is a clear message that even Malta, the smallest Nation of the European Union can contribute effectively through the sheer determi- nation, perseverance and ability of its representatives." The GTA also appealed to Metsola to promote the needs of Gozo's Island Region in order for it to share equal opportunities and mitigate its natural constraints. Business bodies welcome Roberta Metsola's election as EP President 43-year-old Roberta Metsola is the first Maltese to occupy one of the highest institutional posts in the EU

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