PES Congress Unites to Counter Right-Wing Threat, Avoids Migration

PES unites to face right-wing challenge. Migration avoided in campaign focus.

, and Administrator

2025 October 16 . 4:03 PM

1 min read

In this image there are people protesting on a road holding posters in their hands, in the... — In this image there are people protesting on a road holding posters in their hands, in the background there are buildings, trees, light poles and the sky.

PES Congress Unites to Counter Right-Wing Threat, Avoids Migration

The Party of European Socialists (PES) has gathered in Amsterdam for a three-day congress, aiming to counter the growing influence of right-wing parties ahead of crucial elections in the Netherlands and Sweden. The event, led by unopposed incumbent President Stefan Löfven, is set to focus on core campaign issues while steering clear of divisive topics like migration.

The PES is counting on traditional core subjects such as healthcare, job creation, and renewable energy to rally support. Key figures like Secretary-General Giacomo Filibeck, and vice presidents Iratxe García and Katarina Barley will retain their roles, ensuring continuity in the party's leadership. Notably, the final declaration and campaign talking points have omitted migration, reflecting internal divisions on how to address migrant flows.

The congress will also serve as a platform to take on the 'Reactionary International', a transatlantic populist right-wing movement spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite the presence of only one of the three socialist EU prime ministers, Spanish leader Pedro Sánchez, the PES remains determined to present a united front against right-wing forces.

With the PES congress in full swing, the party is set to outline its campaign strategy for upcoming elections, focusing on core issues and unity in the face of right-wing challenges. The absence of a migration discussion, however, may hint at underlying internal disagreements that the party hopes to overcome.