Some 2 million people voted in the primary process, which led to the election of Matteo Renzi with 70% of the vote.
PES president Sergei Stanishev said:
“On behalf of Europe’s socialists and democrats, I congratulate PD for the bold and successful democratic primary process and Mr Renzi on his re-election as a result.
“Our family needs both engaged activists and energetic, determined leaders to write a new progressive page in the history of Europe.”