European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani, on the passing of Simone Veil 

“I would like to pay homage in my name, as well as in the European Parliament’s, to Simone Veil,  the chamber's first president to be elected by direct universal suffrage in 1979. Her presidency has had a long-lasting impact on our institution's history.

“A Holocaust survivor, Simone Veil made the fight against anti-Semitism one of her life-long battles. Firmly committed to ethical, democratic and European values, she was also an ardent defender of women’s rights.

“Simone Veil was Europe’s consciousness and it is our duty to continue to cultivate her inspiring example. In my name and in the European Parliament’s, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the family of Simone Veil.”