Marie Arena, head of PS Belge’s list for the European Parliament elections, Paul Magnette, President of PS Belge and Yonnec Polet, PES Deputy Secretary General and PS Belge member, took the lead in the PES section of the march, “It’s vital that socialist forces gather in a demonstration like this one to demand a more social Europe. There is still a financial and social crisis in Europe and that will not change until we take a more progressive direction.” Polet stated after the demonstration. Each speaker gave a strong endorsement of Martin Schulz’s candidacy for European Commission President as the best way to reinvigorate a more social Europe.
Over 40,000 people marched through the streets of Brussels in ETUC’s demonstration, under the banner of “A new path for Europe.” Demonstrators called for a stronger social dimension to the EU’s recovery policy, which must ensure not only topline economic growth but also decent jobs, greater inclusion, and a reduction in inequality.