Swoboda: „Election results across EU demonstrate need for alternative direction for Europe“

Yesterday, elections took place in several of the EU’s member states, including legislative elections in Lithuania, municipal elections in Belgium and regional elections in the Czech Republic, as well as elections for the legislative assembly and government of the Azores.

In all four elections the parties affiliated with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament achieved strong results. In Lithuania, preparations are gearing up for the second round of legislative elections on 28 October.

Hannes Swoboda, President of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, commented on the outcome of the elections:

„Today we welcome the positive results for our sister parties in all four countries. Although the economic, social and political crisis in Europe is far from resolved, the results show that our demands for a thorough reform of current policies and a European alternative to today’s extreme austerity policies are being heard.

„Nevertheless, it is worrying that the rejection of the governing parties by disillusioned voters has sometimes led to support for the extremes, like the NV-A in Flanders.“

Regarding the first round of the legislative elections in Lithuania, he added:

„The results for the Social Democratic Party in Lithuania are encouraging and I hope that during the next two weeks our Lithuanian friends will convince many more voters of the alternative that is needed – a change from the current conservative government.“

Speaking on the outcome of the elections in Belgium, Hannes Swoboda said:

„As the host country of most of the European Union institutions, Belgium is at the heart of Europe. I am happy to see the Parti Socialiste and s.pa in strong form, winning the trust and confidence of voters with their pro-European, pro-democratic course.“

Hannes Swoboda commented on the elections for the legislative assembly and government elections in the Portuguese autonomous region of the Azores:

„Vasco Cordeiro’s absolute majority in the Azores is a great result. In these times of crisis in Portugal it is important for the Partido Socialista to demonstrate that an alternative to austerity is possible, recognising the needs of the people.“

He concluded with a statement on the Czech regional elections:

„The Czech Social Democratic Party obtained a solid win in the elections – it must now continue to prove that it is an alternative to the governing conservative party and lead in a progressive fashion.“