Pittella elected as S&D group President, the first time for an Italian: “Now a valiant program”

With the election of Martin Schulz as President of the European Parliament, Socialists and Democrats elected has his successor Gianni Pittella, PD, as their new President of the Group. The election, expected for a long time, was supported by a remarkable majority. After the proclamation, the first person to offer his congratulations was Schulz indeed, with handshaking and a hug. “I am proud for this election, this is the first time for an Italian in such an important office,” said Pittella. “What we need now is a valiant and ambitious program for Europe, giving the European Union a leading role on the international stage. We need to overcome the imbalances given by Europe as an economic giant and politic dwarf.”

According to Pittella, “Europe needs to give real answers to European citizens’ unease. If we want to be successful at world level in the following years, we need to invest in research and investment, we need to create a competitive and sustainable economic environment based on a meritocracy system.”

“Europe needs to be dynamic,” he added, “it needs to focus on its citizens’ daily problems. In order to do so, we need to be sure the Stability and Growth Pact is not applied as an untouchable dogma, but as a flexible tool for promoting, respecting the Treaties, development, growth and occupation.”