PES president Sergei Stanishev said: ‘I am really happy that Udo Bullmann will lead the S&D group in the European Parliament. He is a real fighter for social justice and for a sustainable economy, two key goals for the PES. As a Member of the European Parliament, he has tirelessly promoted a social agenda for Europe, solidly rooted in social democratic principles. I am certain he will successfully steer the left turn our political family is taking and I know he will lead us to success in policy making.
I would also like to praise esteemed colleague Kathleen van Brempt for her strong commitment to a progressive, just and fair Europe. Now that the leadership race is over, I believe that the S&D Group will continue to work as a strong team, drawing on the expertise of every single MEP.
The way both candidates presented their vision on the future of the S&D Group and of Europe as well as the existing and fully transparent campaign is an inspiration for our political family”, Stanishev added.
The PES is determined to increase its co-operation with both the S&D group and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, taking advantage of the fact that the presidents of all three entities are Members of the European Parliament.