The Party of European Socialists (PES) has a zero-tolerance approach on corruption. Individuals found guilty of corruption have no place in the progressive political family. In response to allegations regarding illegal lobbying in the European institutions, the PES reaffirms its full commitment to stamping out criminality in politics.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Corruption of any kind is totally unacceptable. It has no place in our political system. It has no place in society. The PES has a zero-tolerance approach on this. Individuals found guilty of corruption have no place in the progressive political family.
“For all those in our party who have fought to eradicate corruption in politics, we have a responsibility to make sure that their efforts are honoured. I want to send the message that the gross misconduct that has been alleged is totally unacceptable.
“I support the steps that have already been taken by the leadership of the S&D Group and our member parties. But we must recognise that getting to the bottom of this scandal will be a lengthy process, one that must be independent, transparent, full and frank. We must be under no illusions about the changes that our political family must make.”
The PES is committed to the fight to eradicate corruption, even more so when members of our movement are under suspicion. The allegations, first reported last week, have shocked the socialist political family.
The PES thanks authorities for the effective policework which uncovered evidence of corruption. The processes in place prove that the rule of law is taken very seriously in the European institutions. Rule of law breaches must be investigated wherever and whenever evidence is uncovered, and those responsible – individual, organisation or country – must face the full legal consequences.
To protect against future scandals, and to safeguard citizens’ trust in public institutions, the developments that resulted in this scandal must be fully analysed, in an independent and transparent process.
The PES is committed to further strengthening processes, within the progressive political movement and the European institutions, to combat corruption.