European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday thanked Donald Tusk for his work as European People's Party President. Poland's former prime minister and chief of the European Council on Tuesday was replaced as the head of the EPP by German CDU/CSU MEP Manfred Weber.
"Great meeting with Donald Tusk at the EPP congress in Rotterdam. Dear Donald, you embody our values. Now you return to your home country to stand up for them. Many thanks for your tireless work as EPP President.
EPP elections
The European People's Party Congress, which began on Tuesday in Rotterdam, has elected Manfred Weber as EPP President with 447 votes out of 502. Vice-president and secretary general of the party were to be elected on Wednesday.
"I am extremely proud to be elected President of the biggest political party in Europe and I am humbled to be able to continue in the footsteps of EPP leaders like Donald Tusk," Manfred Weber said after being elected.
"Together we say no to a Europe of mistrust of the populists, that polarises people and destroys our future. We say no to a Europe of the elites and their top down approach. We are the party that is closest to the day to day realities of citizens. More than ever we will work to unite our societies and we will never stop fighting for a better and stronger EU for the people of Europe," the new EPP chief added.
The congress, which was initially supposed to take place in November this year, has been organised now due to Donald Tusk's decision to return to Polish politics and becoming chairman of the Civic Platform party. Last year, Tusk argued there were no legal or formal obstacles that would prevent him from serving in both capacities, but he decided to focus exclusively on national affairs.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP, epp.eu