Pittella, Venezuelan people decided for change

Gianni Pittella, the President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, has welcomed the result of the elections in Venezuela saying they show the will for change in the country. President Pittella said: "These results show a clear desire for change. It is important that the opposition remains united so that it can play a constructive role in holding the government to account. We are confident that the integration of Venezuela into the global economy will continue, based on a diversified industrial base and not only reliant on oil revenues. We also hope that the public media will go back towards its primary goal of providing accurate impartial information to the population.

"Yesterday's result was an expression of the people's will. The change expressed at the elections should take Venezuela on the path of stability, progress and full democracy."

S&D MEP Ramón Jáuregui, Co-President of the Euro Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, added:

"This has been a victory for democracy, so my first congratulations go to the whole Venezuelan people. Of course, my second one is for the opposition movements and parties gathered around the MUD, as they have won the elections cleanly. The Venezuelan Government also deserves recognition, as it has accepted the electoral results and showed its respect for the rule of law and the Venezuelan Constitution. "Now starts a period of cohabitation between a Presidency and a Legislative Assembly with different political colours; I hope that it will be constructive, based on dialogue and aimed at building a consensus about the major problems facing the country".