The Party of European Socialists (PES) has elected Nicolas Schmit as its lead candidate for the upcoming EU elections. Schmit, the current European Commissioner for jobs and social rights, was chosen amid concerns of a far-right surge in Europe. In his acceptance speech, Schmit vowed to fight against austerity and social repression, emphasizing the party’s commitment to all citizens and their promises. He will be facing off against Ursula von der Leyen, the lead candidate of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), in the race for the presidency of the European Commission.
Despite being the underdog in the upcoming elections, Schmit and the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group are determined to defend their core values and priorities, including labour rights, gender equality, climate action, and social justice. The party aims to provide progressive and fair solutions to challenges such as migrant smuggling, social dumping, corporate tax evasion, and children’s poverty.
The elections are crucial for the future of Europe, with approximately 350 million eligible voters across 27 member states set to cast their ballots between 6 and 9 June. Following the elections, EU leaders will gather for a summit to distribute the bloc’s top jobs, including the presidency of the European Council. While the Commission is expected to go to the EPP, socialists are vying for the European Council’s presidency to uphold their progressive agenda in the face of growing far-right influence in Europe.
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