Fidesz EP group elects Gál as leader to replace Szájer

The European Parliamentary group of Hungary’s allied ruling Fidesz and Christian Democratic parties in the European People’s Party (EPP) has elected Kinga Gál as its leader to replace József Szájer, who resigned from the post late last year, Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch said on Tuesday.

Szájer returned his mandate to the EP effective December 31.

Gál has served as an MEP since 2004. She was vice president of the EPP between 2015 and 2019, Deutsch said in a statement.

Gál’s position has been filled by Ernő Schaller-Baross, deputy state secretary in charge of international relations at the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Office since 2018, he said.

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