PS leader says “no means no” about the far right and wants victory

The Secretary General of the Socialist Party, Pedro Nuno Santos, said this Wednesday in Brussels that “no means no” against the far right in Portugal and the European Union (EU), vowing to work for the Socialists to win the elections. in Portugal and European elections.

“It is absolutely clear to us: when it comes to the far right, no means no. No coalitions, no parliamentary agreements, no hidden backroom deals, no paper copies of their rigid agenda,” said Pedro Nuno Santos, speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels before the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) bench.

Speaking at a meeting with the PS political group at the European Assembly, the Secretary General assured that the Socialists’ position must be “strong and consistent before and after any election day.”

“We are different from them and we are very proud of it […]. That is why we must remain united, working tirelessly side by side to win the next elections – first the national elections in Portugal and then the European elections in June,” said Pedro Nuno Santos.

With legislative elections scheduled for March and European Parliament elections in June, the official defended “collective thinking” among S&D.

“At the forefront of our concern should be the rise of far-right ideologies on the European continent, threatening the very foundations on which our democracies were built. This is an ideological onslaught that requires a clear and decisive approach on the part of those of us who value the principles of a community of care. Where others who are different are not feared, but rather accepted,” he said.

For this reason, he continued, “we must stand firm against the wave of populism, nationalism and xenophobia that seeks to undermine the foundations of our European identity.”

“Unfortunately, I fear that we cannot count on a broad democratic wall that will embrace almost all non-populist political movements. The silence – or better said – complacency of center-right political parties that are willing to compromise principles in the name of short-term political gains is a danger that cannot be ignored,” said Pedro Nuno Santos.

The Socialist leader spoke of “the spread of this trend” in countries such as Spain, Italy, Sweden and Finland.

“It is now quite possible in Portugal that this will happen in the next European Parliament,” he said.

Speaking to the press at the end of the speech, S&D President Iratche García welcomed the fact that Pedro Nuno Santos traveled to Brussels “just three weeks after being elected” as the new PS general secretary.

“We have a new leader [do PS] with a lot of experience, but at the same time with new ideas,” he concluded.

Iratche García also thanked António Costa “for his commitment” on a social level.