PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“On behalf of the PES I send my warmest congratulations to Nicola Zingaretti on becoming the new leader of Partito Democratico. He is a true champion of progressive politics and he has a proven track record as President of the Lazio region. Under the current populist government, Italy is suffering and the people have lost hope. Nicola will provide the strong leadership and fresh ideas Italy needs.
“I would also like to congratulate Partito Democratico and the other candidates Maurizio and Roberto for this well fought leadership primary. It was an engaging contest with strong participation right across Italy. Partito Democratico is growing from strength to strength as we approach these crucial European elections. Now it’s time for progressives to unite to convince people that we are the strong alternative, for Italy and for Europe. We are all looking forward to working together with Nicola and Partito Democratico as we campaign to elect Frans Timmermans as the next President of the European Commission.”
More than 1.8 million party supporters cast their ballots in the Partito Democratico leadership primary.