A German socialist known for his fiery rhetoric has been elected president of the European Parliament, promising to increase the role of the 27-nation legislature.

Martin Schulz replaces Poland’s Jerzy Buzek, who did not seek re-election.

He handily defeated two British legislators Nirj Deva and Diana Wallis in the first round of balloting on Tuesday.

Mr Schulz gained international prominence in 2003 when Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi called him an ideal choice for a Nazi concentration camp guard.

Berlusconi was forced to apologize later.

The long-time socialist leader in the legislature, Mr. Schulz plans to use his new position to seek more European integration and more political power to help tackle the financial crisis.

He takes the lead at a time when the legislature is seeking a bigger role in EU decision-making after having been sidelined for years by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, and by the regular meetings of the leaders the EU member states, which often push through decisions with no input at all from the legislature.

While predecessors like Buzek often had the charisma of a favorite uncle, Schulz often looks as if he has breakfasted on neat caffeine.

His bellicose demeanor belies his education as a librarian.

He served for more than 10 years as the mayor of the city of Wuerselen, in western Germany, and has been a member of the European Parliament since 1994.