The S&D Group mourns the death of their Secretary General, Michael Hoppe, who died yesterday at the age of 58 after a long and severe illness. Michael Hoppe, a truly committed European and long-standing member of the SPD, was one of the longest serving officials of the S&D Group. He served the Group and the European Parliament for more than 30 years. He joined the S&D Group in 1996 and worked in various functions, from parliamentary assistant to cabinet advisor, and later Deputy Secretary General for many different Group Presidents. Michael Hoppe became Secretary General in 2019.

Commenting on his death, S&D Group President Iratxe García Pérez said:

“You can’t do good politics without being a good person. With a kind and generous spirit, and with an unwavering dedication to build a better world, Michael was one of the best people I’ve ever met. 

“He may no longer be with us, but his example and his legacy live on. As does everything he achieved working in our Group for so many years.”

Jens Geier, Head of the SPD Delegation, added:

“All those who knew Michael valued his kindness, professionalism, openness and engagement. He dedicated his professional life to the fight for the European and social democratic cause. 

“His actions were always based on a clear value-driven compass of our core values, including equality, solidarity and democracy. 

“We will miss Michael and will make sure that his path continues with us.”

The S&D Group and SPD Delegation will organise an official ceremony for Michael Hoppe in Brussels in September 2021.