German Prime Minister praises Costa’s legacy and congratulates Pedro Nuno Santos on his election

This Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the political legacy of the governments led by António Costa, emphasized the historical connection between the PS and the German Social Democrats and congratulated the new Secretary General Pedro Nuno Santos.

The German Prime Minister’s message to the 24th National Congress of the PS, which will take place at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL) until Sunday, was read by Socialist President Carlos Cesar at the resumption of the day’s work. .

“Thank you António Costa for your contribution. António Costa has built a fairer and more positive Portugal,” said the German head of government, before addressing the new PS general secretary.

Olaf Scholz began with an indirect allusion to the fact that the PS was founded in April 1973 in Bad Münstereifel (then West Germany) with the support of the German Social Democrats SPD.

“Our parties, the PS and the SPD, are closely linked by solidarity and friendship. This connection will continue now that Pedro Nuno Santos continues to lead the PS,” added Olaf Scholz.

Further, the Spaniard Iratche García Pérez, leader of the PSOE and leader of the parliamentary group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, considered that the PS is an example, “proving with its leadership that there is an alternative to right-wing austerity.” .

“PS victory in general elections [legislativas] March is a step not only for Portugal, but also for Europe,” he added.

Later, a video was also published of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who argued that the PS had proven that “you can grow with social justice” and expressed confidence that the Socialists would win the legislative elections on March 10.

“They are counting on a project and a team and now a leadership that combines youth, strength and experience in Pedro Nuno Santos,” he said.

Addressing the new Secretary General of the Socialist Party, the Spanish Prime Minister expressed his conviction that they would both continue to “pursue a policy of progress in the Iberian Peninsula,” to “defend a greener, fairer, more supportive Europe, more worthy for working people.” and “continue link building efforts” from PSs like António Costa.

Pedro Sánchez said it was “a huge honor to fight and win” alongside António Costa in battles such as “next generation funds, the European response to the pandemic or the Iberian solution.”

“So, thank you for everything,” he said.

According to the PS press service, several international figures are present at the PS congress, including the President of the European Socialist Party (PES) Stefan Löfven, the President of the PAIGC Party of Guinea-Bissau, Domingos Simões Pereira, the Secretary General of the Greek PASOK Party Andreas Spyropoulos, Vice President the Hungarian MSZP party Gabor Harangoso or the Secretary of the Politburo of the Angolan MPLA party for international relations Manuel Domingos Augusto.