{
    "title": "Cities and regions are the first line of democracy I Your PES Group Newsletter ",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-30 14:35:55",
    "published_at": "2026-04-30 11:30:00",
    "url": "https://pes-group-newsroom.prezly.com/cities-and-regions-in-the-first-line-of-democracy-i-your-pes-group-newsletter",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/YgEd",
    "culture": "en_GB",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "cities-and-regions-in-the-first-line-of-democracy-i-your-pes-group-newsletter",
    "body": "<p>Across Europe, cities and regions are where democracy becomes real. As the closest level of government to citizens, they play a key role in delivering fairness, rebuilding trust, and turning progressive values into concrete action on the ground. We bring these local stories directly to you \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47&nbsp;</p><hr /><h4 id=\"local-progressive-mobilisation-in-barcelona\" style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f</strong> <strong>Local Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona </strong> </h4><p>Led by<strong> Pedro S&aacute;nchez</strong> and driven by the <strong>PES</strong>, the Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona brought together thousands of progressives from across the world to defend democracy, fight inequality and build a fairer future. Our PES Group ensured that this global momentum had a strong local and regional dimension, showing how shared ambitions take shape in cities and regions every day. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class=\"release-content-embed release-content-embed--rich release-content-embed--contained\" id=\"embed-7c2b34bd-c66b-4b53-aad2-d9b692d346e5\"><div style=\"max-width: 660px;\"><div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 63%; padding-top: 284px;\"><iframe data-iframely-url=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Freel%2FDXT2BpKiAY3%2F%3Futm_source%3Dig_web_copy_link%26igsh%3DNTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D%23_cb1777544114&key=8fe6cdec03482ac31f27a6ae8ea2fb3f\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><script async src=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div><hr /><h4 id=\"bye-bye-orban-renewal-for-democracy-in-hungary\" style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Bye bye Orban: renewal for democracy in Hungary</strong> </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">After sixteen years of attacks on the rule of law, hostility toward Europe, fear-driven politics, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ communities, Hungarians voted to turn the page. A win for Europe, and a win for democracy that proves that no country belongs to one man, and no future can be built on division. Congratulations, Hungary! </p><div id=\"bookmark-a8c0a76a-2e57-4ae1-a4a9-3f077dfe0cf1\"\n     class=\"release-content-bookmark release-content-bookmark--horizontal\">\n\n            <a class=\"release-content-bookmark__thumbnail\"\n           href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7449376131729989632\"\n           rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n           target=\"_blank\"           style=\"background-image: url(https://prezly.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.licdn.com%2Fdms%2Fimage%2Fv2%2FD4D22AQGHyHYsn8owag%2Ffeedshare-shrink_1280%2FB4DZ2GAHq.H8AQ-%2F0%2F1776069671915%3Fe%3D2147483647%26v%3Dbeta%26t%3DTHsfPBvv-8kU_Jfga_65AFzmd89kav7xgF9mGafCktI?ar=1%3A1&amp;fit=crop&amp;s=9d954b79a74f84aca546544e6d161ca0)\"\n        ></a>\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-bookmark__details\">\n\n                    <a class=\"release-content-bookmark__title\"\n               href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7449376131729989632\"\n               rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n               target=\"_blank\"               data-type=\"bookmark\"\n               data-track=\"Story WebBookmark Click\"\n               data-placement=\"content\"\n               data-id=\"a8c0a76a-2e57-4ae1-a4a9-3f077dfe0cf1\"\n           >\n                #hungary | PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions            </a>\n        \n                    <div class=\"release-content-bookmark__description\">\n                After sixteen years, today Hungary turns the page. This Sunday, Hungarians headed to the polls. After years of attacks on the rule of law, hostility toward Europe, fear-driven politics, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ communities \u2014 the people showed up. And with the majority of votes already counted, it\u2019s clear that this time, they chose a different path. \u2764\ufe0f Because no country belongs to one man. And no future can be built on division. There is a day after Orb\u00e1n. And that day is today. Congratulations,\u00a0#Hungary! Photo credits: \u00a9 European Union 2019 - Source : EP            </div>\n        \n        <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/\"\n           target=\"_blank\"\n           rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\n           class=\"release-content-bookmark__provider\"\n        >\n            <img class=\"release-content-bookmark__provider-icon\" src=\"https://avatars.prezly.com/favicon?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fposts%2Fpes-cor_hungary-activity-7449376131729989632-lPFd&newsroom=8607dc4e-5d37-4e0a-950b-9d89494f984e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" />\n            LinkedIn        </a>\n    </div>\n</div>\n<hr /><h4 id=\"electa-training-women-to-win-in-politics\" >\ud83d\uddf3\ufe0f <strong>ELECTA: Training Women to Win in Politics</strong></h4><p><a href=\"https://electa.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>ELECTA</strong></a> supports female candidates from across the political spectrum with high-impact training led by experienced political strategists and campaign experts. Built on decades of hands-on campaigning across Europe, the programme focuses on the core skills needed to run successful elections and step into leadership with confidence. <strong>Ready to take the next step? </strong>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQPZBeGvsj-DXUMOOLuxO4og7qUYBUprTBzmxzeD6YRqLDTQ/viewform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Apply now and become part of a new generation of women shaping Europe&rsquo;s political future</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/342914e8-0b7c-4e01-b9aa-0c32cdba45ec/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"\"\n                id=\"image-342914e8-0b7c-4e01-b9aa-0c32cdba45ec\"\n                data-id=\"342914e8-0b7c-4e01-b9aa-0c32cdba45ec\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/342914e8-0b7c-4e01-b9aa-0c32cdba45ec/-/inline/no/image.png\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/342914e8-0b7c-4e01-b9aa-0c32cdba45ec/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Story image\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\"></figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<hr /><h3 id=\"progressive-local-stories\" style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0fProgressive Local Stories \u200b \u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f</strong> </h3><h4 id=\"paris-cracks-down-on-illegal-airbnb-conversions-to-defend-housing-rights\" ><strong>Paris cracks down on illegal Airbnb conversions to defend housing rights</strong></h4><p>A Paris court has just sentenced a property owner to a &euro;585,000 fine for illegally converting an entire building in the 9th arrondissement into Airbnb rentals. Freshly-elected progressive mayor <strong>Emmanuel Gregoire </strong>welcomed the decision, stating that &lsquo;the abuse of Airbnb in Paris is over.&rsquo; Housing is a human right, not a cash machine for landlords!</p><div class=\"release-content-embed release-content-embed--rich release-content-embed--contained\" id=\"embed-b59575d0-80b8-41f7-9250-a9e3acb9ee3e\"><div style=\"max-width: 660px;\"><div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 63%; padding-top: 284px;\"><iframe data-iframely-url=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDXUY6A4jO2m%2F%3Futm_source%3Dig_web_copy_link%26igsh%3DNTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D%23_cb1777534340&key=8fe6cdec03482ac31f27a6ae8ea2fb3f\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><script async src=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div><h4 id=\"public-food-justice-in-practice-new-yorks-municipal-grocery-stores\" >\ud83c\udf4e\ud83e\udd66 <strong>Public food justice in practice: New York&rsquo;s municipal grocery stores</strong></h4><p>In New York, Progressive <strong>Mayor Zohran Mamdani </strong>has announced the first site of the city&rsquo;s public grocery store programme at La Marqueta in East Harlem, a flagship initiative to tackle rising food prices and improve access to affordable, healthy food. By combining public ownership with local delivery, the project reflects a growing progressive push to treat food as a right, not a commodity, while strengthening neighbourhood economies and community resilience.</p><div id=\"bookmark-84dc335e-71d3-4d86-932d-8f880b730da1\"\n     class=\"release-content-bookmark release-content-bookmark--horizontal\">\n\n            <a class=\"release-content-bookmark__thumbnail\"\n           href=\"https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-announces-la-marqueta-as-first-site-identified-for\"\n           rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n           target=\"_blank\"           style=\"background-image: url(https://prezly.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnycgov%2Fmayors-office%2Fimages%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F04%2Fmayor-mamdani-announces-la-marqueta-as-first-site-identified-for--1.jpg?ar=1%3A1&amp;fit=crop&amp;s=51ae483068fd484426d2636efe10f282)\"\n        ></a>\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-bookmark__details\">\n\n                    <a class=\"release-content-bookmark__title\"\n               href=\"https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-announces-la-marqueta-as-first-site-identified-for\"\n               rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n               target=\"_blank\"               data-type=\"bookmark\"\n               data-track=\"Story WebBookmark Click\"\n               data-placement=\"content\"\n               data-id=\"84dc335e-71d3-4d86-932d-8f880b730da1\"\n           >\n                Mayor Mamdani Announces La Marqueta as First Site Identified for City\u2019s Public Grocery Stores            </a>\n        \n                    <div class=\"release-content-bookmark__description\">\n                NEW YORK \u2013 Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Julie Su and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced La Marqueta as the first site identified for the City\u2019s municipal grocery store program.            </div>\n        \n        <a href=\"https://www.nyc.gov/\"\n           target=\"_blank\"\n           rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\n           class=\"release-content-bookmark__provider\"\n        >\n            <img class=\"release-content-bookmark__provider-icon\" src=\"https://avatars.prezly.com/favicon?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fmayors-office%2Fnews%2F2026%2F04%2Fmayor-mamdani-announces-la-marqueta-as-first-site-identified-for&newsroom=8607dc4e-5d37-4e0a-950b-9d89494f984e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" />\n            The official website of the City of New York        </a>\n    </div>\n</div>\n<hr /><h4 id=\"cohesion-funds-more-than-a-budget\" >\ud83e\udd11 <strong>Cohesion funds: More than a Budget</strong></h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">Two of our Young Elected Politicians<strong> Andrea Capellini</strong>, City Councillor of Gragnano Trebbiense, and <strong>Asia Trombaioli</strong>, \u200b Deputy Mayor of Gaiba, Italy, presented the &ldquo;<strong>Manifesto for Cohesion Policy 2028&ndash;2034&rdquo;</strong> at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome. Their message is clear: we need a strong Cohesion Policy that starts from and works through our regions and local communities.<strong> Sign the manifesto </strong><a href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7BwBX6AePjWWkS-rcmA3o-RCWQoiKfswUsU-JGv_07ryHwQ/viewform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>! \u200b </strong></p><div class=\"release-content-embed release-content-embed--rich release-content-embed--contained\" id=\"embed-8cbdf23c-c62f-41a7-b687-c3002704c04e\"><div style=\"max-width: 660px;\"><div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 63%; padding-top: 284px;\"><iframe data-iframely-url=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Freel%2FDXMkzaoDCyK%2F%3Futm_source%3Dig_web_copy_link%26igsh%3DNTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D%23_cb1777534410&key=8fe6cdec03482ac31f27a6ae8ea2fb3f\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><script async src=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div><h4 id=\"friends-of-cohesion-defending-a-europe-that-leaves-no-one-behind\" style=\"text-align: left\">\u270d\ufe0f<strong> Friends of Cohesion: defending a Europe that leaves no one behind</strong> </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">On 22 April, the <strong>Friends of Cohesion</strong> met in Warsaw, bringing together governments and progressive leaders to defend a strong <strong>Cohesion Policy</strong> in the<strong> next EU budget (2028&ndash;2034)</strong>. With the participation of<strong> Kata T&uuml;tt\u0151</strong>, President of the European Committee of the Regions, and PES Group member, the message was clear: cohesion cannot be weakened through opaque budgets, false &ldquo;simplification&rdquo; or centralised control disguised as shared management. From mismatched governance with the RRF to strategies that divide rather than coordinate, the discussions offered a reality check and a united call to protect cohesion as the EU&rsquo;s most powerful tool to deliver fairness, solidarity and real impact on the ground </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/cce170ff-e931-42ea-92cc-fade11a929e4/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"\"\n                id=\"image-cce170ff-e931-42ea-92cc-fade11a929e4\"\n                data-id=\"cce170ff-e931-42ea-92cc-fade11a929e4\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/cce170ff-e931-42ea-92cc-fade11a929e4/-/inline/no/image.png\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/cce170ff-e931-42ea-92cc-fade11a929e4/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Story image\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\"></figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<hr /><h3 id=\"whats-next\" style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>What&rsquo;s next?</strong> </h3><h4 id=\"9-may-is-europe-day\" style=\"text-align: left\">\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f <strong>9 May is</strong> <strong>Europe Day!</strong></h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">Join us on <strong>Saturday 9 May 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00</strong> at the<strong> European Committee of the Regions</strong> for Europe Day!<strong> </strong>Engage with us through interactive activities to discover how cities and regions shape Europe and why local democracy matters. Meet local and regional leaders, exchange ideas, and experience Europe from a local perspective in a friendly and open atmosphere. \ud83d\udc49 More info <a href=\"https://pes.cor.europa.eu/event/meet-us-europe-day-9-may\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u><strong>here</strong></u></a></p><h4 id=\"16-may-brussels-pride-standing-together-for-equality\" style=\"text-align: left\">\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f&zwj;\ud83c\udf08\u270a <strong>16 May</strong>: <strong>Brussels Pride - Standing together for equality</strong> </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">This year, the PES Group proudly joins our Belgian comrades at <strong>Brussels Pride</strong>, standing up for equality, dignity and love in all its diversity. \u200b Walk with us and show your support for a Europe that leaves no one behind. You&rsquo;ll find us on the <strong>PS Belge float (the last one in the parade)</strong>. \ud83d\udc49 More details <a href=\"https://www.ps.be/pride_2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><div class=\"release-content-embed release-content-embed--rich release-content-embed--contained\" id=\"embed-95f71ea0-498c-4c5d-a828-9db7c73fb94f\"><div style=\"max-width: 660px;\"><div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 63%; padding-top: 284px;\"><iframe data-iframely-url=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Freel%2FDXrcaNkiPQT%2F%3Futm_source%3Dig_web_copy_link%26igsh%3DMzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D%23_cb1777534818&key=8fe6cdec03482ac31f27a6ae8ea2fb3f\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><script async src=\"https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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        {
            "description": "#hungary | PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions",
            "url": "https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7449376131729989632"
        },
        {
            "description": "Mayor Mamdani Announces La Marqueta as First Site Identified for City\u2019s Public Grocery Stores",
            "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-announces-la-marqueta-as-first-site-identified-for"
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