Commenting on the discriminatory comments in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung towards the countries of southern Europe, S&D Group President Gianni Pittella said:
"It is not the first time Jeroen Dijsselbloem expresses opinions, economic and political stances which are openly in contradiction with the line of the European progressive family. Now with his shameful and shocking words in an interview to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Dijsselbloem went far beyond by using discriminatory arguments against the countries of southern Europe. There is no excuse or reason for using such language, especially from someone who is supposed to be a progressive.
"I truly wonder whether a person who has these beliefs can still be considered fit to be president of the Eurogroup."