✊ Standing Up for Democracy and Inclusion l Your PES Group Newsletter
Across Europe, democracy is under threat, from rising extremism to attacks on fundamental rights. Progressive mayors, regional leaders, and local councillors are on the front lines, ensuring our communities stay inclusive, fair, and resilient.
In Turkey, democratically elected mayors from progressive parties face political persecution, with unjust removals and legal attacks undermining local democracy. Citizens have taken to the streets in protest, demanding that their voices and votes be respected. Meanwhile, in Budapest, far-right forces have intensified their assault on fundamental freedoms, banning the city’s Pride March.
This month, we highlight our progressive leaders fighting back. Together, we safeguard democracy where it matters most. 👇
Democracy in Turkey: We Stand with Progressive Mayors
In Turkey, progressive leaders are facing political persecution. Recent legal and administrative attacks have seen democratically elected local leaders removed from office, undermining the will of the people. Protests have erupted across the country as citizens fight for their democratic rights and demand respect for their votes. We stand in full solidarity with Ekrem İmamoğluand other progressive mayors and councillors in Turkey who are working tirelessly to serve their communities despite these oppressive tactics. Democracy must be defended at all levels.
🏳️🌈 Budapest Pride Banned: A Direct Attack on Freedom
In a shocking decision, Budapest authorities have banned the city’s Pride March, marking another attack on fundamental freedoms by far-right forces. The move is part of an ongoing effort to roll back LGBTIQ+ rights in Hungary, restricting visibility, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. Local and regional leaders must not be silenced. We stand with Budapest’s progressive voices and the LGBTIQ+ community in their fight for equality, dignity and the right to be who they are.
🏠 Housing is a Right, not a privilege!
Affordable housing needs strong regulation, not bureaucracy. Simplifying rules and controlling rents can deliver real results. At the European Investment Bank (EIB) Forum, the Mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni and President of the European Committee of the Regions Kata Tüttő called for stronger EU action. Read this interview of Jaume Collboni by Politico 👇
💜 Fighting for Women’s Rights on 8th March
On International Women’s Day, we reaffirmed our commitment to making every city and region a #SafePlace4Women.
Our Young Elected Politician Baran Güneş, Deputy Mayor of Mudanya (Turkey), is taking concrete action to support survivors of gender-based violence. Thanks to his leadership, his city is the first to adopt the resolution, marking an important step forward in our fight for women's rights. At the same time, the campaign in Italy continues to grow, with small villages, cities, and even regions such as Emilia Romagna joining our call. Every progressive leader has a role to play in ensuring women’s rights are respected and protected.
📢 Calling all Progressive young elected leaders!
Are you under 35 years old? Apply for the Young Elected Politicians (YEP) Programme 2025 to meet inspiring leaders, join high-level political events and be part of an EU-wide network. 📅 Apply by Thursday 1st May 2025!
❤️ Progressive Local Stories ❤️
In Occitanie (France), our member Nadia Pellefigue has been a driving force in fostering participatory democracy by involving students in shaping regional policies. By creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration, she ensures that young people have a direct voice in local governance. Her work is an inspiring model for regions across Europe.
What’s coming next?
📅 2-3 April: our next plenary session!
The European Committee of the Regions will meet next week for its second plenary session of the year. Find out more ➡️ and stay tuned on our social media channels for the debates on enlargement, competitiveness and cohesion!
🙏 © Photo credits of the header: DJ Paine from Unplash