Plenary opening: Tributes to Nelson Mandela and Latvian roof collapse victims

European Parliament President Martin Schulz (pictured) opened the plenary session by calling a minute’s silence to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, who died on 5 December, and to the 54 people killed and dozens injured when a supermarket roof collapsed in Riga, Latvia, on 21 November. He also urged the Ukrainian authorities to refrain from using violence against pro-EU demonstrators in Kiev’s Maidan Square.

"Mr Mandela was a hero, a revolutionary and a great reconciler. His passing left South Africans bereft of a man they called 'father', and the world of a great personality," said Schulz. "Though imprisoned for 27 years, Mr Mandela did not seek revenge. Instead he used his charisma, modesty and generosity to help bring about South Africa’s transformation from a racially repressive regime to democracy."

The European Parliament recognised Mandela’s struggle against oppression by awarding him its first Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought, in 1988, noted Schulz, conveying Parliament’s condolences to Mandela’s family and the government and people of South Africa. Mandela’s legacy lives on in the hearts of millions of people, he added.

Riga supermarket roof collapse The collapse of a supermarket roof in Riga on 21 November killed 54 people and injured many more. This was the worst such disaster in Latvia's life since it became independent in 1991, noted Mr Schulz, extending Parliament’s condolences to the victims’ families and friends.

Ukraine demonstratorsCommenting on reports that police had been mobilised against pro-EU demonstrators in Kiev’s Maidan Square, Schulz called on the Ukrainian government to refrain from violence and enter into dialogue. The European Parliament “stands for the right to exercise free speech and free assembly - it supports the legitimate European aspirations of the Ukrainian people”, he declared.

Outgoing MEPs
Polish MEPs Rafal Trzaskowski (EPP) and Lena Kolarska-Bobinska (EPP), have been appointed to their national government. Their European Parliament seats are vacant as of 3 December.