PES leadership, progressive European Commissioners, and PES leaders gathered in Brussels, with the PES Presidency adopting strong declarations on fighting corruption, strengthening workers’ rights and solidarity with Iran
Following shock allegations of corruption in the European institutions, the Party of European Socialists (PES) today reaffirms its commitment to eradicate corruption at all political levels: there must be a zero-tolerance approach. This message was delivered as the PES leadership, progressive European Commissioners and leaders of PES member parties and organisations met in Brussels, Belgium.
PES President Stefan Lofven said:
“As PES we are clear: corruption of any kind is totally unacceptable. These allegations have shaken European politics to its core and today I hear full support from across the party for the ongoing legal processes.
“The PES supports the S&D on the internal investigation that it has announced, ensuring an independent, transparent, full and frank procedure. Within all European institutions, policies must be proactively re-evaluated to ensure that there are strong safeguards against corruption. All political families have a duty to strengthen processes and systems. As PES we will deal with this, united as a party.”
The PES Presidency – composed of the PES leadership and representatives of PES member parties and organisations – adopted a declaration: Corruption has no place in our democratic institutions and in our society.
A strong Directive for effective platform workers’ rights
Spearheaded by European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, socialists have led the fight for the proposed Directive on improving working conditions in platform work – the next step to make work fair for all. Socialists – in the Council of the EU, European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions – are committed to delivering an ambitious Directive and will fight against all attempts to water down measures.
The PES Presidency today adopted a resolution backing strong rights for platform workers: A strong Directive for effective platform workers’ rights.
As PES Spitzenkandidat for the 2019 European elections, Frans Timmermans, highlighted during the campaign, a teenager on a bike delivering food for an online platform is not an entrepreneur. Platform workers deserve to have a clear employment status as employees with the rights corresponding to this status, with no loopholes that allow platforms to circumvent labour standards.
Abysmal human and women rights situation in Iran
The PES Presidency expressed its full support for the Iranian women and men protesting for freedom and equality. The PES leadership and representative of the PES member parties and organisations adopted a declaration: Abysmal human and women rights situation in Iran.
The PES is shocked by the brutality shown by Iranian authorities in the face of weeks of public protests, sparked by the killing – by Iran’s so-called morality police – of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. Since then, authorities have ordered executions under the charges of Muharaba, ‘War against God’. Human rights activist Mohsen Shekari was the first to be sentenced to death under these charges, following a fake trial without any due process. He was executed last week.
European socialists and democrats strongly condemn the abuse of force by the authorities, which have escalated in recent weeks, and express support for all those demanding freedom and equality. The future of EU-Iran relations and sanction against the Iranian regime for it’s outrageous and unforgivable actions must be further considered.
Turkey: solidarity with Ekrem İmamoğlu
The PES family condemns the sentencing of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, to more than two years in prison on the charge of insulting public officials. European progressives stand in full solidarity with PES associated member parties – CHP and HDP – who are subject to constant attacks from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who will use any means to hold onto power by falsely accusing and imprisoning pollical opponents. The PES family will never accept these attacks on democracy and attempts to remove democratically elected opposition politicians.
Solidarity with Ukraine
The meeting reaffirmed the full support of the PES family for Ukraine, which continues to face an unjust and brutal invasion by Russia. Progressives will support Ukraine’s people, economy and defence.
Representatives of the PES family also exchanged on other key issues for the progressive political family, including preparations for the upcoming European elections. The PES is determined to deliver progress for citizens on jobs and social rights, a green transition, and European unity.
More information on the PES Presidency can be found on the PES website.
