His clear political will for reconciliation, after being in prison for 27 years, saved South Africa and paved the ground for a non-racial democratic country, so long ravished by racism.
Mandela was an inspiration for politicians all over the world, where the call for revenge is so much more common than the hard way of reaching out your hand to former oppressors and enemies.
Freedom, democracy and solidarity were the leading words of Mandela. He managed to make it a reality.
European Social Democrats, Socialists and Progressives mourn a great leader and a true political friend. May his legacy inspire generations to come. Let us all continue his work.
