We are with you in the fight for a better future for young people, the Party of European Socialists (PES) said today as it welcomed the new leadership of the Young European Socialists (YES) and congratulated the progressive youth organisation on its successful Congress.
This weekend the YES Congress elected Enric Lopez Jurado as President and Sofie Amalie Stage as Secretary General. More information about YES is available at: youngsocialists.eu.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“It is great to see the youth of our political family united, demonstrating our commitment to improve life for Europe’s young people. The PES will work tirelessly to keep delivering positive change for and with you, working closely with the Young European Socialists in particular.
“I congratulate new YES President Enric Lopez Jurado and the entire leadership team on your election. Together, we will keep fighting for young people, now, in the run-up of the European elections, and beyond. Through strong youth participation, we guarantee the strength of our democracies.”
Newly elected YES President Enric Lopez Jurado said:
“It is an honour to lead the biggest youth political organisation in Europe and to continue the work for improving the living conditions of young people in Europe, such as the fight against climate change, inequalities, access to affordable housing and more resources for attention to mental health. It is even more so to do it ahead of a crucial moment for our future: next year’s European Elections. We leave this Congress with a strong call to lower the voting age to 16 years. The PES can count on the full support of YES for mobilising young voters and achieving a clear socialist and social democrat victory.”
The 16th Yes Congress – Fighting for our future: building a fair, sustainable and democratic Europe – took place from 19-22 October at the Barcelona headquarters of the Socialists’ Party of Catalonia (PSC-PSOE).
PES Executive Vice President Francisco André and PES Executive Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck were present to exchange with young people on their priorities ahead of crucial European elections next year.
Speaking to the Congress on Saturday, PES Executive Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck commended YES for its work to engage young people in politics, including by leading the debate on lowering the voting age in the European elections to 16 years old.
A wide range of progressive leaders and representatives took part in the event, including Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares, S&D Group President Iratxe García Pérez, Italy’s Partito Democratico Party Secretary Elly Schlein, Leader of the Opposition in Catalonia and First Secretary of PSC Salvador Illa, Mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni, S&D Group Vice President Pedro Marques, MEPs Laura Ballarín, Brando Benifei, Mohammed Chahim, and Javi López, and many others.
Pictures from the event are available on Flickr.
