11 October 2010

“From racist politicians to unpalatable coalitions, it is clear that the European People’s Party (EPP) must urgently get its house in order”, said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists (PES). Mr. Rasmussen made his comments as the Bavarian Premier Horst Seehofer, head of EPP Member Party the CSU, today (11 October) made outrageous remarks about Turkish and Arabic communities within Germany. Mr. Seehofer had said that it is clear that immigrants from other cultures such as Turkey and Arabic countries have more difficulties (in integrating). From that I draw the conclusion that we don't need additional immigration from other cultures.

Continuing, Mr. Rasmussen said that it was imperative that Wilfried Martens, President of the EPP; “sends an absolutely clear message that in both national and European dealings, loathsome comments such as those by Horst Seehofer are unequivocally condemned”.

The PES had last week criticized the EPP for their ‘contorted’ statement on the new Dutch Government.

Concluding, Mr. Rasmussen said that; “there comes a point when, after issuing condemnation after condemnation of so called ‘errant members’, one starts to think where does the idea that these are the exceptions end and the idea that this is actually acceptable behavior for EPP Members begin?”

The controversy comes a day after Vienna, Austria saw the far-right party FPO become the second biggest in the city’s municipal elections.

At its Presidency meeting on Thursday 14 October, the PES will issue a formal statement and policy position on how to tackle the rise of the far right and xenophobia in Europe.

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For further information please contact  Brian Synnott (PES Press) on +32 474 98 96 75 (brian.synnott@pes.org)