Pittella: Socialist haven’t taken a decision on Juncker yet

After the meeting between the Head of the Group and the appointed President, Socialists still have some misgivings: “We welcome his commitment but we are still asking for more flexibility and an intelligent use of the Stability and Growth pact.”

They aren’t ready to support Jean-Claude Juncker yet. After another meeting between Gianni Pittella, Head of the Group, and the European Commission appointed President, S&D confirmed they haven’t taken a final decision, that will be ready only at the eve of the voting session in which the Plenary in Stasbourg will decide whether to elect Juncker as European Commission next President.

“In the meeting we had this morning,” explained Pittella, “I told Jean-Claude Juncker what Europe needs so badly: growth, investments, more social guarantees, together with stability.” Juncker confirmed his will to candidate a Socialist as Economic Affairs next Commissioner, Pitella said. “We’ve now found a common ground for a European approach to migration,” he added, given that during the hearing with the Group Juncker had given unsatisfactory answers.

“We welcome his commitment,” said Pittella, “but we are still asking for more flexibility and an intelligent use of the Stability and Growth Pact.”