Berlin Declaration: Social Democrats Commit to Anti-Far Right Cooperation in Europe
In Berlin, Germany, progressive political leaders have made a firm commitment to voters that they will never cooperate or form a coalition with the far right. The Party of European Socialists (PES) has emphasized that they will always be a reliable and strong voice against right-wing extremism and for democracy. This promise includes refusing any cooperation or alliance with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) or Identity and Democracy (ID) in the European Parliament.
At a high-level PES conference in Berlin, attended by leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and PES President Stefan Lofven, a declaration against the far right was approved. The Berlin Declaration of Democracy was also signed by other progressive leaders from across Europe, reinforcing the message of unity against right-wing extremism.
The Spitzenkandidat of the PES, Nicolas Schmit, reiterated the party’s stance against the far right, stating that cooperation with them is off the table. PES President Stefan Lofven emphasized the significance of the declaration, positioning social democrats as the primary force for democracy, social progress, and solidarity in Europe.
The declaration underscores the refusal to normalize, cooperate, or form alliances with the far right, including ECR or ID. It calls on all European democratic parties to unequivocally reject any association with the far right and uphold democratic values. The rise of the far right is seen as a threat to citizens’ rights, well-being, and democratic principles, requiring a united front against it.
Social democracy is framed as a project that unites citizens and defends their rights, freedoms
