Election of Napolitano represents a repositioning of Italy at the heart of EU decision making

3.17.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th May 2006

Graham WATSON MEP, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament, warmly welcomed the news from Rome of the election of Giorgio Napolitano as the new President of the Italian Republic:"Giorgio Napolitano is well known to Members of the European Parliament, not least in his role as Chairman of our Constitutional Affairs committee and as having been instrumental in debates on Europe's future at the time of the Convention - a debate which remains on-going.""His election to the highest post in Italy today marks a positive turn in that country's European commitment after five years of drift and populist policy making. Though Napolitano has a left-wing past, he is a consensual, respected and dignified politician who will represent Italy well and provide a worthy successor to Carlo Azeglio Ciampi."

Lapo PISTELLI MEP, head of the 'Margherita' delegation in the European Parliament, commented on the election result. "Today is a day for celebration in Italy and for Europe. President Napolitano, with his long experience as a convinced European will help us in relaunching the role of Italy in Europe. But I am also confident that his past chairmanship of the European Parliament's constitutional affairs committee will serve him well in supporting the European project." "Giorgio Napolitano will also know how to introduce the subject of the future of the European Constitution to the political debate and reposition Italy on the European track laid out by Carlo Azeglio Ciampi". "His broad and impartial character will also enable him to bring the country together again and add a shine to the Italian Constitution. For the Italian members of ALDE in the European Parliament it will be an honour to be able to work with the new President of the Italian Republic".