Polish president, FM offer condolences after death of EU parliament head

Poland's president and foreign minister have offered their condolences after the death of European Parliament head David Sassoli.

David Sassoli, pictured in October 2019.

Photo: EPA/JULIEN WARNAND

Sassoli, an Italian socialist and former journalist, died on Tuesday at a hospital in his home country, his office said. He was 65.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Twitter: "David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, passed away during the night. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and associates. R.I.P."

Dziś w nocy odszedł David Sassoli - Przewodniczący Parlamentu Europejskiego. Składam głębokie wyrazy współczucia Rodzinie, Przyjaciołom i Współpracownikom Zmarłego. R.I.P.

— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) January 11, 2022

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau tweeted: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament - a great Italian and European."

He added: "My thoughts are with his family and all his countrymen."

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament - a great Italian & European.

My thoughts are with his family and all his countrymen.

— Zbigniew Rau (@RauZbigniew) January 11, 2022

Sassoli had been admitted to hospital last month because of serious complications related to his immune system, according to his associates.

The EU flags in the European Parliament have been lowered to half-mast today in honour of the late President of the European Parliament David Sassoli. pic.twitter.com/F40FDDuJNh

— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) January 11, 2022

Maltese lawmaker Roberta Metsola, from the conservative European People's Party (EPP), is widely expected to be a candidate to become the next president of the 705-seat European Parliament, the Reuters news agency reported.

(gs)

Source: PAP, Reuters