The Party of European Socialists (PES) congratulates Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his endorsement as Chancellor candidate of the SPD ahead of the German national elections in February. At a successful party congress in Berlin on Saturday, the SPD, a full member of the PES, also adopted their election manifesto focused on supporting the citizens in these difficult times.
Throughout their campaigning, Olaf Scholz and the SPD put citizens’ concerns on their everyday lives first – mainly focusing on economic growth, stable pensions, improved health system, and support for the workers and their families.
Speaking at the congress, Olaf Scholz and the SPD’s party leaders, Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil, emphasised the importance of the upcoming elections for the trajectory of Germany and Europe. They also clarified that the election ‘‘will not be decided by the ultrarich owners of social media platforms”.
President Stefan Löfven congratulated the congress, saying:
‘‘In the last 4 years, you, Olaf, and the SPD have managed to maintain stability and predictability in Europe during such times of Zeitenwende. Your voice was heard among the leaders of our family and in the European Council. You did much for Europe but more for Germany during this challenging period of a global pandemic, wars all around us and fearsome economic challenges.
On behalf of the Party of European Socialists, I would like to congratulate you, Olaf, on your endorsement as Chancellor candidate and express our total support to you and the SPD in this upcoming election campaign and beyond.’’
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck, who was at the congress in Berlin, said:
‘‘Olaf Scholz and the SPD offer a progressive programme that can bring a new perspective for Germany and Europe. We need that strong social-democratic voice while facing the challenges of the far-right and the populists worldwide.”
The PES fully supports Olaf Scholz in his bid for re-election as Chancellor. As a lifelong member of SPD, he has proven throughout his political career to be valiant, reliable, and steadfast in his commitment to European values.
