Nicolas Schmit: Socialists and Democrats refuse to make agreements with far right following European elections

Nicholas Schmit, the lead candidate for the Socialists and Democrats in the upcoming European elections, has outlined his views on revising the Migration Pact and opposing the far right in a recent interview with Global Conversation’s Isabel da Silva Marques.

Schmit, who currently holds the Jobs and Social Rights portfolio in the European Commission, believes that the time is ripe for social democracy to take the helm of the EU’s executive body. He points to the rise of the extreme right in Europe, fueled by uncertainty and insecurity among EU citizens.

One of the key issues Schmit is focusing on is the Green Deal, the EU’s landmark strategy to achieve net zero climate goals. He emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers in this transition, acknowledging the challenges they face in terms of income and production costs.

Regarding the Migration Pact, Schmit expresses deep concerns about the current bilateral agreements with countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon. He believes that the money being spent on these deals may not be used effectively and calls for a revision of the pact to ensure transparency and efficiency.

As the European election campaign heats up, Schmit is adamant about not making any deals with the far right. He criticizes the European People’s Party for considering negotiations with what he calls the “decent extreme right,” emphasizing that there can be no compromise on fundamental values and principles.

Overall, Schmit’s views on these critical issues highlight the importance of social democracy in shaping the future of the EU and standing firm against the rise of the far right in European politics.