STRASBOURG, France – Maltese politician Roberta Metsola was re-elected as president of the European Parliament on Tuesday during the first plenary session of the newly elected parliament here.

Metsola secured 562 votes out of 699 in the first round of secret paper balloting, easily capturing the needed majority after the parliament's major groups agreed ahead of time to back the 45-year-old politician.

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Her rival, Spanish politician Irene Montero, received 61 votes.

I will continue to stand for a strong European Parliament in a strong Europe. I aim to build bridges and bring change to our legislative and political powerhouse.

Roberta Metsola, President, European Parliament

As a candidate from the center-right European People's Party, which holds 188 seats in the European Parliament, Metsola's re-election was largely anticipated. Her new term will last for two and a half years.

Following her victory, Metsola expressed her commitment to strengthening the European Parliament.

In her follow-up speech, she called for efforts to create a new security and defense framework, to enhance Europe's competitiveness, and to give real solution to climate issues to "leave Europe a better place."

On social media, she said, "I will continue to stand for a strong European Parliament in a strong Europe. I aim to build bridges and bring change to our legislative and political powerhouse."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Metsola on social media platform X, saying that the election was "fully deserved," and "Your leadership and passion for Europe is more needed than ever”.