Today, the Party of European Socialists officially pledged our commitment to a discrimination-free election campaign, at an event organised by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe).
These values are in line with our party’s core commitment to equality, and have already been enshrined in our election manifesto.
Marije Laffeber, PES Deputy Secretary General, addressed a press conference alongside ENAR and ILGA-Europe, saying: “The true measure of a democracy is how we represent our minorities’ interests. PES member parties are proud of our achievements in the past five years and are committed to an inclusive campaign ahead. We will ensure that our MEPs and Commissioners fully embrace diversity and represent all groups within our wonderfully diverse European society.”
Achim Post, who signed the ENAR-ILGA declaration as Secretary General of the PES, recalled the PES manifesto adopted in Rome: “All our member parties are dedicated to this campaign. As we say in our unanimously adopted electoral programme, “we will be relentless in our fight against all forms of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and intolerance.””
Alongside other socially progressive parties such as the Greens, ALDE and GUE, we were proud to commit once again to these goals. It is regrettable that none of the conservative political families signed the pledge, with the EPP settling for a generic statement of support only.
The PES election manifesto, which includes strong commitments on diversity and inclusiveness, can be found here
