The candidate nominated as head of the Party of European Socialists' list, Frans Timmermans, hears from the citizens to get their support in the May 2019 European elections. He answered questions from a few journalists, including EUROPE, on the sidelines of the PES annual congress in Lisbon. (Interview in French by Sophie Petitjean)
Agence Europe - Will your efforts be sufficient to fight the decline of social democracy in Europe?
Frans Timmermans - We'll see. In any case, it will not depend on the quality of our projects, which are excellent. Now, you have to touch people's hearts: you are very good with brains, but you also have to be good at touching hearts.
So we need to communicate more, yes. But it is not only that: we must also demonstrate very concretely that we have heard the despair of many citizens. Many people are worried about their work and the future of their children.
If we are able to show that we have a project for Europe that meets people's hopes, I know that we can also have a very strong electoral position.
Is it possible to link up with the European project of French President Emmanuel Macron? Is it possible for your movement to abandon the term "social democrat"?
For us, what matters is making a convincing European campaign, to have the support of the citizens. And then we'll see.
It is after the elections that we talk to all those who share our idea of an inclusive, united Europe. But not before the elections.
We have nothing to say if we do not emerge from the elections strong enough. So my duty is to conduct an election campaign that convinces people all over Europe that it is worth voting socialist.
As for your other question, why would anyone abandon the term democrat? No.
Have you met the British Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn? Do you think that his presence here serves the Party of European Socialists?
Yes, I met him, I spoke at length with him. We share many ideas on solidarity, on social Europe, on the need to give hope to people who today have very little or none at all.
On Brexit and what is going to happen in the United Kingdom, I saw the opinion he published yesterday in The Guardian: he wants a customs union, a certain vision of the single market. We'll see what happens.
I made it clear that I am one of those who believe that Brexit is a horrible and very disappointing decision. This is the worst thing that has happened to me since I became involved in politics.
And I still hope that the United Kingdom will remain in the EU (see other news).
I asked Mr Corbyn to explain the chaos in London to me. But it is very difficult for him too, because the chaos is mainly within the Conservative Party.