European socialists and democrats enlarged their political family to the East, stood for peace and democracy in Europe, South America and in the world
Former social democratic prime minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven, has today been re-elected President of the Party of European Socialists (PES).
PES delegates cast their ballots on the first day of the 2023 PES Congress, which is taking place in Málaga, Spain, today and tomorrow, in cooperation with the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).
Addressing the Congress before his re-election, PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“As we meet to set out our path forward to the European elections, we must provide citizens with hope. We must put Europe in the lead. To address the climate crisis and create opportunities for citizens. To stand for international law and democracy. To create prosperous societies where people live in dignity. And we can do it together. Because we rise together as one continent. Today, I stand in front of you with my determination strengthened, my resolve reinforced.”
Stefan Löfven’s tenure as PES President began last year, when he was elected by the 2022 PES Congress in Berlin. President Löfven served as Prime Minister of Sweden from 2014-2021 and Leader of the Social Democratic Party from 2012-2021. Löfven’s commitment to democracy, European values and human rights is well known across Sweden, Europe and the world. The European Social Pillar was established through his political leadership and it remains a defining moment for a more social, fair and sustainable Europe.
The Congress also voted to welcome Democratic Coalition (DK Hungary) as full member party of the PES and the following parties as observer member parties of the PES: Levizja Vetevendosje (LVV Kosovo), Belarusian Social Democratic Party – Hramada (BSDP Hramada Belarus), Belarusian Social Democratic Party – Narodnaya Hramada (BSDP Narodnaya Hramada Belarus), and the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP Serbia).
Before the opening of the Congress plenary, the PES Presidency met to discuss key topics on the social democratic agenda. The Presidency endorsed the resolution and recommended its adoption by the PES Congress, in preparation of the upcoming PES manifesto and the European elections.
The Presidency exchanged on international affairs and discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the way forward to reduce tensions, ensure security, and uphold human dignity for all. Presidency members also expressed concerns at Azerbaijan’s months-long blockade on Nagorno-Karabakh and the humanitarian crisis in the region. The PES Presidency urged the international community to provide urgent humanitarian aid to the displaced Armenian population and encourages all diplomatic efforts to secure the rights and safety of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh.
At its meeting, the PES presidency confirmed a strong social-democratic support for Sergio Massa in the upcoming second round of the presidential elections in Argentina. Massa and his centre-left coalition can stop far-right populism in the country and bring peace, social justice, and democracy to the Argentinians, the meeting concluded.
New PES leadership
The PES incoming Presidency welcomed the new PES leadership team:
PES President: Stefan Löfven (SAP Sweden)
PES Vice-Presidents:
- First Vice President: Iratxe García (PSOE Spain and S&D President)
- Executive Vice President: Katarina Barley (SPD Germany)
- Executive Vice President: Francisco André (PS Portugal)
- Vice President: Tanja Fajon (SD Slovenia)
- Vice President: Victor Negrescu (PSD Romania)
- Vice President: Kati Piri (PvdA Netherlands)
- Vice President: Andrzej Szejna (Lewica Poland)
- Vice President: Radmila Šekerinska (SDSM North Macedonia)
Treasurer: Caroline Gennez (Vooruit Belgium)
PES Secretary General: Giacomo Filibeck (PD Italy)
PES Deputy Secretary Generals:
- Yonnec Polet (PS Belgium)
- Saar Van Bueren (PvdA Netherlands)
- Thomas Vaupel (SPD Germany)
PES Common Candidate for the 2024 European Elections
The Presidency started the process for the election of the PES Common Candidate – also known as the spitzenkandidat. Candidates were invited to submit their applications from 13 November 2023 until 17 January 2024.
More than 800 delegates and guests from the European Union and beyond participate at the Congress – the highest political forum of the PES – under the moto “Europe in the lead”. The Congress continues tomorrow with a high level programme.
2023 Congress election result
Votes for confirming the election of Stefan Löfven as PES President:
YES: 196
NO: 2
ABSTENTION: 1
INVALID VOTES: 1
