Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was elected President of the Socialist International today, the first day of the international organization’s conference, which brings together 132 parties from around the world.

The conference is being held in Madrid and will end on Sunday.

Sánchez’s candidacy was not put to a vote as he was the only candidate to succeed the former Greek prime minister. George Papandreouwho has been President of the Socialist International since 2005.

Giorgos Papandreou suggested that the delegates declare the Prime Minister of Spain “by acclamation” as President, which was done.

In his opening remarks at the conference shortly before his election, the 50-year-old Sanchez explained that he had a specific goal for the Socialist International: to turn it into “an important ideological platform for a progressive international movement.”

Addressing the women attending the conference, he promised to “fight for equality”, which he considers a priority.

The announcement that Sánchez would run for the presidency of the Socialist International was seen in Spain as a sign that he intends to use the position as a springboard for a future international career if, as polls predict, his party is defeated in the next parliamentary elections. . expected in 2023.

Source: APE-MPE-AFP.