Reacting to the designation of Martin Schulz as European Parliament President via a deal between three political groups, GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer said:

 

“We voted for our candidate – Spanish GUE/NGL MEP Pablo Iglesias – who offers a voice to the people who bear the burden of the EU's antisocial crisis policy. We fight for a Europe of solidarity, for an immediate end to austerity policies and the undemocratic dictates of the Troika. Pablo Iglesias calls for this necessary change much better and much more credibly than Martin Schulz wants or is able to do,” she said.

 

“We will however expect the re-elected president to speak out for extensive cooperation between the groups in Parliament and to strengthen our role with regard to the Council of Heads of State and Government. For social justice, democracy and another EU.”

 

The group's candidate Pablo Iglesias earlier presented an alternative vision of the role in a speech that concluded with a direct address to the people of Europe. “Those who have taken to the streets in recent years to defend social justice and democracy, to the millions who have said 'enough is enough' in Europe's squares – I want to tell them that you should be proud, you are the democratic heart of Europe flying the flag for dignity. If we keep pushing I assure you that we will win. The future is ours!”

 

 

The GUE/NGL group is made up of 52 MEPs from across Europe working for peace, solidarity, social justice, equality, democracy and human rights in Europe and beyond. It is the only gender balanced group in the European Parliament, with 26 women and 26 men.

 

GUE/NGL Press:

David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09

Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08