On 3 June more than 45 mayors of the Greater Region of Luxembourg, Lorraine, Saarland, and Wallonia signed a declaration to support PES Common Candidate Nicolas Schmit.
Europe is a daily reality for the hundreds of thousands of workers in the Greater Region, who cross its borders and benefit from its economic opportunities. At a time when the towns and cities of our Greater Region are facing huge challenges – deindustrialisation, rising inequalities, and the climate crisis – the policies pursued for 25 years by the European conservatives and liberals do not live up to the challenges.
It furthermore highlighted that as European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit won victories on decent minimum wages, for the rights of platform workers and for job protection in times of crisis.
As President of the European Commission, he will carry forward our vision of a social, ecological, and democratic Europe.
Nicolas Schmit common candidate of the PES said:
“I thank all the Mayors for their great support. Indeed, the Greater Region has always been deeply engaged in the European project from its beginnings. At a time when the towns and cities of the Greater Region are facing huge challenges – deindustrialisation, rising inequalities and the climate crisis – we need bold solutions. Faced with this, the European socialist family is proposing concrete solutions, rooted in the expectations of our fellow citizens and inspired by our successes in the regions. We fight for affordable and sustainable housing, especially for the most vulnerable, among them young people and students. We stand up for strong public services, for investments into our industry, SMEs and workers’ skills.”
Mathieu Klein, Mayor of Nancy, initiator of the declaration said:
“On 9 June, the Grande Région must send out a clear message: as proud historic heart of Europe, the citizens of this cross-border area want a democratic, social and ecological project for its future, to be led by a strong team with Nicolas Schmit and the PES at the head of the European Commission and Parliament.”
The declaration, initiated by the Mayor of Nancy, Mathieu Klein, was signed by leading socialist and social-democratic figures from the region, including Paul Magnette, Mayor of Charleroi and leader of PS Belgium, Anke Rehlinger, regional leader of the SPD in Saarland, and Dan Biancalana, Mayor of Dudelange and co-leader of LSAP Luxembourg.
- * The full list of the Mayors who signed the document in support of Nicolas Schmit appears at the end of the Declaration.
The Declaration can be also read in FRENCH and GERMAN.