The Party of European Socialists met in Rome for the congress. The manifesto for the European elections on 9 June has been presented and the candidacy of Nicolas Schmit for the presidency of the EU Commission has been made official.
On 2 March, the national leaders were called together, and the day of the congress of the Party of European Socialists in Rome: there were the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the Portuguese Antonio Costa, several MEPs and the commissioners Paolo Gentiloni.
At the center of the scene was Nicolas Schmit, who on the occasion was made official by the congress as the PES candidate for the presidency of the EU commission. Thus their campaign towards the European elections starts in Rome and a manifesto has been adopted in view of the June vote.
The manifesto talks about how to build a more "efficient and democratic" Europe, which can relaunch the partnership with the global South. In economics, the opportunities and risks related to artificial intelligence and the importance of investing in young people are highlighted. In economic policy, the aim is to: ensure quality jobs for all, a just green transition, a strong and open European economy in the world, tax justice for social justice, the right to quality and affordable housing, access to health, treatment and medicines, public services, environmental protection and sustainable agriculture, guarantees of security and, finally, solidarity and development in all European cities and regions.
A document that also talks about common European defense and support for Ukraine, among the first points. "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine marks a turning point in history. We stand firm in our unconditional support for Ukraine by providing political, humanitarian, financial and military assistance for as long as necessary," it reads. The PES aims to pursue a "strong common European security and defence policy that operates in a complementary way to NATO" and reiterates its support for Kiev's entry into the EU.
Among the priorities indicated by the Socialists is a particular emphasis on foreign policy. As far as the Middle East is concerned, the PES says it is "in favour of an international peace conference to reach a just two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians" because "both have the right to live in peace and security".
The meeting was introduced by the Secretary-General, Giacomo Filibeck. The words of the President of the Party, Stefan Löfven, have a particular impact: "Rome is the right place to start our election campaign: here was born the beautiful peace project that we call the European Union. No dream can grow without ambition and courage. For us, Europe means solidarity, equality, development, progress, democracy and peace. We are not interested in the few, but in the many. This time the electorate must know that it is the most important election since 1979: the alternatives are clear. Either a Europe hostage to right-wing extremism or a socialist-led one."
Löfven concluded: "We are nominating Nicolas Schmit for the presidency of the EU Commission. He has our full support."
Interviewed by Repubblica, the Luxembourg candidate and European Commissioner for Labour outlined the guidelines of his campaign for the presidency, without sparing criticism of the popular contender Von der Leyen. Tones that follow the need to emphasize the distinctive profiles between leaders in electoral competition, recently inaugurated considering the effective cohabitation of socialists and populars in the legislature that is about to end.
By @europolitiche envoys to Congress
