Eva Kaili, a Greek politician and MEP for the Socialists & Democrats group in the European Parliament, was ousted from her position as vice-president after her arrest over alleged bribery in a corruption scandal involving the Qatar Gulf state.

The S&D group on Wednesday via Twitter announced that is in the running to replace her. The Greens appointed Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield as a candidate for the post. A vote in the plenary is expected next week.

“I must get the support of as many members of the European Parliament as possible,” Angel told Delano, adding that the right-wing Identity & Democracy Group is rumoured to be fielding a nominee as well. 

“The context isn’t easy,” Angel said. “It’s sad and very serious. It’s a big corruption scandal and on top of that the concerned former MEP is from our group. We must regain trust. We must work together.”

The European Parliament in December adopted a motion to set up an inquiry committee and new ethics body, as well as making a lobby register for MEPs more transparent, with Angel saying the S&D must take responsibility in this process.  

On Twitter, the MEP said he is honoured to be the S&D nominee and that his candidacy would focus on cooperation, transparency and building bridges.

In an , Angel said he is “sad and angry,” calling corruption “poison for democracy” and calling on the European Parliament’s foreign interference committee to think about new rules.

In total, there are 14 vice-presidents of the European Parliament.

This article was updated on 11 January at 4.22pm to include remarks by Marc Angel.