Speaking following the results of the US presidential election, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:
"We respect the vote of the American people. Yet – for us, today is a sad day. A sad day for the entire world. Donald Trump is the expression of a virus that has deeply infected our societies, not only in the US but also in Europe. Now the question facing us is: will Europe be pushed to reform itself and finally become an anti-body capable of balancing and fighting against this virus? We are fighting for this. Business as usual through step-by-step policy would be suicide. We must revolutionise the EU in order to provide Europe with adequate tools to face global challenges.
"The victory of Trump is scary, for all. However, it would be a dreadful mistake to stigmatize as ignorant or barbaric those who believe in Trump, Le Pen, Farage, Orbán or the Five Star Movement's lies. Now more than ever we must reconnect with the "losers of globalisation" and listen to their feelings of marginalisation and social unrest. Today's election result will have a significant impact on the future of the whole of world.
"Despite Trump's statements made during the campaign, we trust that the USA will remain committed to transatlantic relations. We hope the USA will respect Obama's legacy on issues like climate change, sustainable development goals, and the other common challenges we face.
"From this change we cannot go back. This earthquake changes everything. We must respond to Trump's extremism with extreme reforms. Changing the European Union by making it more democratic and more just and reforming the financial sector - what we have done since the financial crisis - is not enough. Governments must intervene more and better in the economy to create jobs and growth.
"Along with the people who stand up for an open and inclusive society based on fairness and respect, we will fight first and foremost to change Europe. We must be able to propose concrete solutions to citizens' problems. Otherwise this virus will continue to spread across the world."
