Today, the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament will vote against the far-right motion of censure on the European Commission – not simply in criticism of the European Commission, but because the S&Ds stand firmly by their principle of never aligning with the far right. S&D leader, Iratxe García, reminds the European Commission that the progressives need clear signs of commitment to social justice and the green transition. The upcoming SOTEU will be a turning point.
“For the S&D Group, it was clear from the very beginning that we were not going to support an initiative coming from the far right, sticking with the cordon sanitaire we are committed to. We have never wavered in our principles and we will never do so.
“The S&D Group is a constructive political force and dismantling the Commission in the midst of geopolitical crisis would be completely irresponsible.
“However, our vote doesn’t mean that we are not critical of the European Commission. The recent shifts by von der Leyen towards far-right pledges are a major cause for alarm for our Group. Moreover, the Commission President must understand that we will not turn a blind eye to the double game played by the EPP Group and its President, Manfred Weber, in the EP. Trust among pro-European and democratic forces is more damaged than ever.
“The upcoming SOTEU will be a turning point. We will need clear signs of commitment – and not just any sign – we want a real commitment to our priorities, the same ones von der Leyen committed to a year ago: economy together, social growth, social justice and green transition. And we will need a true platform; a cooperation and dialogue between pro-European and democratic forces.
“We will always stand with the people and make sure that nobody is left behind. Our battle for a fair and social Europe and defending our citizens’ welfare does not end here. We will keep fighting for our values and remain vigilant.”
