Mercredi 30 novembre 2016

Communiqué de presse du groupe S&D

The Socialists and Democrats have unanimously backed the Group president Gianni Pittella as their candidate for the presidency of the European Parliament.

S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:

« It is an honour to accept this new challenge. My candidacy is for change. With Martin Schulz’s departure from Parliament Presidency the balance among the political families within the EU Institutions has gone. We will never accept a right-wing monopoly controlling the EU institutions. It is not a matter of names but a matter of principles and ideas.

« We want to put an end to the blind austerity and the national selfishness that has degraded the European Union. We want to put forward a vision based on left-wing ideas, principles and strategies as an alternative to those advocated by the right.

« If we want to deal with the challenges and threats facing Europe then we cannot simply defend the status quo.

« Our strength is in our unity. Our strength is in being a force for genuine change. It is only through this change that we can save Europe. »