The European parliament needs a president that will defend its role towards the other EU institutions, as the only democratically-elected institution.
This is all the more important in the current situation where EU governments in council are increasingly seeking to sideline the parliament.
To simply endorse a candidate that has been chosen as part of a backroom deal by EU governments, with no scrutiny, would set this legislative term off on the totally wrong foot. It would also fundamentally undermine the trust placed in the European parliament by voters.
The Greens/EFA group initially elected me as its vice-presidency candidate but subsequently decided I should contest the presidency in order to ensure that there is a real democratic debate and decision over the European parliament's top post.
The parliament needs to be reformed and this must be a priority for whoever the next president is. As the only democratically elected EU institution, we must uphold the standards in public office expected by EU citizens.
The parliament should champion ethical policymaking, banning and sanctioning abuse of political power and conflict of interests between corporate interests and politicians.
"To simply endorse a candidate that has been chosen as part of a backroom deal by EU governments, with no scrutiny, would set this legislative term off on the totally wrong foot. It would also fundamentally undermine the trust placed in the European parliament by voters"
The most recent review of parliament's code of conduct was an exercise in disappointment. We need to ensure the highest standards in public office if we are to restore and guarantee the faith of EU citizens.
We need to finally deliver real and meaningful rules on lobbying transparency. Despite years of debate, the EU still lies far behind more progressive jurisdictions in this regard.
MEPs voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of a mandatory lobby register and work on this must begin as soon as possible. There must be no loopholes: all those engaged in lobbying the EU political process must operate in complete transparency. This is crucial for democratic legitimacy in the EU.
The parliament should also lead by example, reducing the environmental impact of its operation and strengthening ethical and sustainable practices and procurement. Maximising energy efficiency, especially of buildings, and reducing the parliament's carbon footprint must be a top priority.
Mobility, sustainable food, an openness to open source, improving workplace health and safety and a meaningful commitment to sustainable procurement and resource use are also core priorities.
An overwhelming majority of MEPs and EU citizens wants a single seat for the European parliament. We need a president that finally takes this seriously and proactively engages with EU governments to make this a reality.
"An overwhelming majority of MEPs and EU citizens wants a single seat for the European parliament. We need a president that finally takes this seriously and proactively engages with EU governments to make this a reality"
The arguments in favour of a single seat, whether financial, social, environmental or political, have all been made. It is now time to make the travelling circus history and ensure this unnecessary negative distraction for MEPs can be parked once and for all.
The European elections have delivered a clear rebuke to the status quo. There is a need for the parliament to respond to this and to take the concerns raised by EU citizens seriously. This must be a core priority for the coming legislative term. However, we cannot fall into the trap of pandering to populism, nationalism and extremism.
The parliament has long been a champion of fundamental and human rights and this must continue. It must face down the knee-jerk trend to intolerance and second class treatment of women and minorities. This must begin with the president.
These are not just my priorities as a candidate but priorities I believe should be fundamental to all the candidates. We now need a real debate and a meaningful and open process to select the new president to ensure this happens.