The Party of European Socialists (PES) sends its congratulations to its youth wing, the Young European Socialists (YES), on another successful congress. With 200 delegates in attendance and various fringe events organised by partner organisations of YES and the PES, YES is continuing to provide a platform for Europe’s progressive youth and is ensuring that the concerns of young people are not only heard but also addressed.
During the Congress, members elected João Martins Pereira as President and Irja Vaateri as Secretary General.
We would also like to thank Enric López Jurado, outgoing YES President, and Sofie Amalie Stage, outgoing YES Secretary General.
The format of the Congress included a PES activity in cooperation with the PES Group in the CoR, on a wide range topics of relevance to young people at the local and regional level such as gender equality, housing, health, climate change and local democracy.
Joining the congress by video, PES President Stefan Löfven said:
‘‘Europe is nothing without its young people. I am grateful for the continued good cooperation between YES and the PES and I am delighted to welcome João Martins Pereira and Irja Vaateri in their new roles.
I look forward to working with you both, especially in the build-up to our upcoming PES Congress Progressive Mobilisation in Amsterdam where we intend to take intergenerational cooperation to the next level.
Together, we keep on fighting for young people to have affordable housing, quality jobs, mental health support and a planet to live on. This is our conviction and duty, and we will not surrender to those trying to curb the rights of young people. Progressives will not be
intimidated and will not bend to forces that weaponise the fears of citizens for political and financial gain.”
Newly elected YES President João Martins Pereira said:
“It is an honour to lead the biggest youth political organisation in Europe and to continue the work for improving the living conditions of young people in Europe. Our ambition is a world of democracy, social justice, and sustainability – nothing less. We are ready. The PES can count on the full support of YES to engage with you in future projects and to mobilise young voters in the years to come.’’
Speaking at the Congress, PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck urged young socialists to continue and reinforce their work and mobilisation. This will be indispensable in fighting those that disrespect fundamental rights and values, the far-right and an EPP that continues to ally with them. It is the young people of our societies that shape the world of tomorrow, and the PES counts on the support of YES to make it one where equality reigns over division, where solidarity trumps hatred and fear.
Attending the Congress on site, PES Deputy Secretary General Yonnec Polet also reiterated the strong commitment of the PES to young people and its youth movement.
Young people must be a priority in politics today – from youth participation and representation to quality of life.
Progressive leaders in attendance at the Congress included:
PES Secretary General, Giacomo Filibeck.
1st Vice-President of the PES and President of the S&D Group, Iratxe García.
Secretary of the PD, Elly Schlein.
PES Deputy Secretary General, Yonnec Polet.
More information about YES is available at: youngsocialists.eu.
