Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament said it “welcomes and supports” the decision by the Presidency of the Party of European Socialists (PES) to suspend the membership of the Slovak SMER and HLAS parties.
This step comes as a reaction to the formation of a coalition government in Slovakia with the Slovak National Party SNS.
The S&D, in a statement, said, “The memorandum of understanding signed by all three parties is not compatible with the progressive values and principles of the European family of Socialists and Social Democrats.”
“The recent public comments and positions taken by SMER and HLAS party leaders regarding the Russian war against Ukraine, migration, the rule of law, and the GTBIQ community have raised serious concerns and have no place in the progressive family.”
It went on, “In line with its internal rules and procedures, and taking fully into account the decision by the PES, the S&D Bureau will propose that the Group suspend the membership of its three Slovak MEPs next week.”
Meanwhile, S&D leader Iratxe Garcia Perez says it “condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric cruelty of the terrorist attacks by Hamas against innocent Israeli citizens.”
She expressed “our deepest sympathy and full solidarity,” adding,” The priority right now must be to cease the attacks, to ensure the security of Israeli citizens, and to make every possible effort to bring home all hostages held in Gaza, paying special attention to children and those requiring immediate medical assistance.
“The European Union must exercise all its leverage to stop violence and indiscriminate actions against civilians, which can only generate more innocent victims, more suffering, and more extremism, escalating the conflict.
“Civilians must be protected at all times and any action of self-defense by Israel must respect and uphold international law and international humanitarian law. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is dramatic and human life and dignity must be the ultimate beacon of any action,” she said. “The establishment of humanitarian corridors and the delivery of relief is of utmost urgency. When innocent children die, this can only be a defeat for humanity, no matter the side,” said the MEP.
