PES statement on German and Austrian Social Democrats announcement of a European citizens’ initiative on a Financial Transaction Tax

18/05/2010

“I am heartened by the support shown by our German and Austrian member parties for our campaign for a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT)”, said Party of European Socialists (PES) President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. “With our continent-wide alliance of European’s for Financial Reform (EFFR) I am very confident that we will create real momentum for the FTT”.

Mr. Rasmussen made his comments as the Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann and Sigmar Gabriel (German Social Democrat, SPD leader) announced their commitment to a ‘European Citizens initiative’ calling for an FTT.

The PES President congratulated them for their leadership on this vital issue for financial reform. The FTT issue has this week returned to the top of the political agenda as European leaders look for new revenue streams to stabilize the Euro-zone.

The PES has been running a year-long campaign calling for an FTT.

For further information please contact Brian Synnott on +32 474 98 96 75 (brian.synnott@pes.org)