GUE/NGL MEP Thomas Händel has been re-elected chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) at the European Parliament. The group's president Gabi Zimmer welcomed the result of the vote which took place this morning:

“We congratulate Thomas Händel for his re-election as chair of the EMPL committee and hope for his speedy recovery. We are grateful for Thomas's willingness to continue in the post on behalf of the group. During the first half of this legislature, the EMPL committee took important decisions under Händel’s chairmanship such as an opinion rejecting the CETA agreement and the adoption of a progressive report on the Pillar of Social Rights.”

“I am confident that the committee will continue with this vital work, taking on the urgent challenges facing the EU with stronger social rights and more employment for the people,” concluded Zimmer.