PES Women President calls for new direction at major international conference

24/01/2012

The Socialist International held its Council meeting on 23-24 January 2012 in San Jose, Costa Rica. The two day international gathering, hosted by the Partido Liberación Nacional and bringing together socialist leaders, was opened by President Laura Chinchilla.

Intervening on the crisis currently faced by Europe, PES Women President Zita Gurmai stated: “The disastrous management by the conservative majorities in Europe have made of our continent a major part of the problem, a hindrance to a global solution. Our conservative leaders have allowed Europe to become a liability. The conservative obsession with austerity and the total neglect of investments for growth and jobs are a major barrier to overcoming the current crisis.”

She continued: “We urgently have to put growth back at the centre of the political agenda, to make economic recovery and long-term sustainable growth the core objective of public policies. We are ready to take responsibility, and carry Europe in a new direction. Our plan is ready and it is clear. It is a plan that will create jobs, foster growth, and secure strong and stable public finances.”

To read full speech please click here.

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