Socialist Leader García Urges ‘Iron Hand’ On Trump
By EurActiv
By Inés Fernández-Pontes
(EurActiv) — Socialist leader Iratxe García has accused the European Parliament’s centre-right of hypocrisy, while urging European progressives to take an ” iron hand” against Donald Trump and far-right forces.
The remarks come as socialist leaders seek to regain momentum and reassert their influence, using this weekend’s Global Progressive Congress in Barcelona – promoted by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez – to rally progressive forces across Europe.
“The centre-right cannot ask social democracy to guarantee political stability whilst negotiating day-to-day policies with the far right,” she said at the summit, pointing to cooperation on climate and migration as examples.
The EPP group should “decide and choose” whether it wants to continue working with pro-European forces or “open the door to an alliance with the far right”.
García framed the moment as a broader ideological battle, warning that far-right movements in Europe and their allies share “a clear objective… to destroy Europe”.
She also took aim at Washington, arguing that Europe must adopt a tougher stance towards US President Donald Trump.
“The strategy of appeasement and silence is not the way forward… Trump only understands the language of power,” García said, calling on Europe to respond with an “iron hand”.
She reiterated that transatlantic relations remain “fundamental” but must be “based on mutual respect”.
“That’s why it is important to speak out when Trump and populism across Europe are attempting to destroy the European project.”
Socialist leaders have described the Barcelona summit, promoted by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as a “historic gathering” aimed at uniting progressive forces around a shared democratic agenda.
“Parties are thinking machines – they need to make tangible proposals. Such a pedagogical event fosters an environment to think together and move forward,” former EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell told Euractiv on the sidelines of the event.
