Commenting on the outcome of yesterday's national elections in Spain, in which the Spanish socialists PSOE obtained 22.66% – 85 seats – and remained the second largest political group, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella stated:
"The Spanish people have voted and made it clear that the PSOE is the reference point for the left.
"Congratulations to PSOE party leader Pedro Sánchez who has led a strong election campaign with a clear message of more solidarity and fairness for the people. This related specifically to PSOE's determined fight against high youth unemployment. Together with PSOE and other progressive forces in Europe, we will continue this fight jointly – at EU-level as well – with renewed vigour in the coming months.
"In turbulent economic and political times, in which we see our fundamental values being threatened by populist forces all around Europe, we must be clear on our side. Credibility and truth instead of lies and over-simplifications. In Spain we have also seen that populists just strengthen the right rather than helping the people."
