Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT), outgoing EP President, presided over the opening of the session. Following a musical interlude, Pina Picierno (S&D, IT), second Vice-President in the outgoing Parliament, announced the candidates for the Presidency of the Parliament. The vote, a secret paper ballot, is taking place immediately after the opening. Eight MEPs elected by lot will oversee the process.

The candidates are Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) and Irene Montero (The Left, ES). Ahead of the vote, both delivered brief statements to plenary.

To be elected, a candidate needs an absolute majority of valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one. If no candidate is elected in the first round of voting, the same or other candidates can be nominated for a second round under the same conditions. A third round may take place if necessary, again with the same rules. If none of the candidates are elected in the third round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes in the third round would proceed to a…