The values of social democracy in Europe face one of the most significant challenges in their history,” stated José Luís Carneiro in his speech at the Party of European Socialists (PES) Congress, held from Friday to today in Amsterdam.
The Portuguese socialist leader emphasized that social and political polarization, along with the “atomization of societies,” threatens the foundations of trust in democratic institutions, asserting that this phenomenon “is no longer just national” but “global, organized, with coordinated methods and means of action.”
For the PS Secretary-General, the “best antidote” involves continued joint work among European socialist parties, with political proposals centered on peace, development, and an economy “based on knowledge, sustainable and inclusive.”
“We must have concrete and common solutions to solve people’s problems and be able to bring hope and better prospects to the lives of our citizens. Only in this way is it possible to stop populisms and extremisms,” argued Carneiro.
Among the priorities highlighted by the PS leader were housing, employment, health, transport and mobility, the quality of public space, and citizen participation.
Carneiro also mentioned the importance of defending multilateralism, transatlantic relations, and cooperation with Africa and Latin America, quoting former European Commission President Jacques Delors to emphasize the Europeanist vision that should guide socialist action.
This strategy should promote “competition that stimulates, cooperation that strengthens, and solidarity that unites,” he stressed.
On the sidelines of the congress, José Luís Carneiro also held bilateral meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister and PSOE leader, Pedro Sánchez, and with the German SPD leader, Lars Klingbeil.
