The President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Stefan Löfven, today held a constructive discussion in Brussels with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
As the home of European democracy, they expressed a shared determination to ensure the European Parliament lives up to clear public commitments to eradicate corruption in the institution. The PES family demands a zero-tolerance approach and stands ready to back tough action by the leadership of the Parliament and the S&D Group. Meaningful change must be put in place to safeguard public trust in the values and institutions of the Union.
Speaking following the meeting, PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“The European Union is a union of values where the rule of law and democracy are protected and respected. When those principles are subverted and attacked, our first action must be to defend them. Today, I reiterate the condemnation of the PES for corruption, especially when it appears in our own political family. That is why we must lead action to ensure this never happens again.
“The EU must have a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and reinforce its institutions against acts that undermine trust in democracy. I welcome the clear public commitments from the European Parliament to act to combat corruption. It is vital that this determination translates into concrete change.”
Ahead of an event tomorrow marking the anniversary of the death of David Sassoli, President Löfven also reflected on the positive contribution of the former President of the European Parliament to the European political project. David Sassoli – who served as an MEP from 2009 until his death in 2022 – was a champion of integrity, solidarity, equality and European values.
Alongside President Löfven, the meeting at the European Parliament was also attended by PES Executive Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck.
