Enlarge image

EU Commissioner Schmit: “trained diplomat”

Photo: Ronald Wittek / EPA

On Saturday, the European Social Democrats elected EU Labor Commissioner Nicolas Schmit as the top candidate for the European elections at the beginning of June with a large majority.

The Social Democratic Party of Europe (SPE) wants to take over the leadership of the EU Commission with the Luxembourger and replace Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

They decided this today at a party congress in Rome.

Schmit described it as one of his most important goals to defend European values ​​and fight against the shift to the right in Europe.

He said he wanted respect and not hate.

"The best answer to the extreme right is our vision and our project for Europe, so that every citizen and every child can have a better life." Schmit emphasized the importance of a European security and defense policy.

"We as Europeans have to take our things into our own hands."

»Absolutely sure-footed«

The SPD's top candidate Katarina Barley called Schmit the candidate who best suits the Social Democrats.

"He is a trained diplomat and someone who moves with absolute surefootedness on the international stage."

The 70-year-old Schmit has been the EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights since 2019.

Previously, he was Minister of Labor in the Luxembourg government for several years.

Schmit studied in France and received his doctorate in economics there.

Surveys predict losses

With the congress in Rome, the party family launched its European election campaign and decided on its election program.

Compared to the 2019 European elections, surveys predict that the Social Democrats will hardly make any gains this year and rather lose.

more on the subject

  • Von der Leyen's renewed candidacy: She should take on Putin By Markus Becker, Brussels

  • Last generation in the European elections: Get off the streets!

    Into Parliament?By Dayan Djajadisastra

  • European elections: Former Frontex boss Leggeri is running for Rassemblement National

According to the polls, the conservative European People's Party (EPP) is ahead.

EU-critical and right-wing parties are on the rise in some countries.

The position of EU Commission President must be filled after the European elections in June.

As a rule, a candidate from the European party family that performs best in the European elections is appointed.

Because of the EPP's clear lead, there is a good chance that Ursula von der Leyen can remain president.

Next week she is to be nominated by the EPP as the top candidate at a congress in Bucharest.

large / dpa