The other contender for the post, former Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato, who was beaten by only six votes, was elected senior vice-president of the PES.
The election took place yesterday during the PES Congress in Brussels whose theme was “Growing Stronger Together”.
The Malta Labour Party took part for the first time in the PES Congress as a full member, with party international secretary Joe Mifsud casting the vote on behalf of Labour.
As soon as Mr Rasmussen was elected, the Labour delegation headed by leader Alfred Sant met the newly elected PES president and presented him with the party flag.
Mr Rasmussen said that on 12 June, Maltese and Gozitans should vote as if they were electing their national Parliament because the European Parliament will have the strength to control what happens in the European Union.
The new PES president said the electorate should vote Labour in the EP elections because it has always protected workers and social principles.
Mr Mifsud, who was the official spokesperson of the delegation, told The Malta Independent on Sunday that Mr Rasmussen had expressed a wish to visit Malta and spoke on the importance of the Mediterranean dimension for the PES as an integral part of EU policy.
The Labour delegation also met British deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who augured more close collaboration between the Labour parties in Malta and the United Kingdom.
A vote for the Malta Labour Party will ensure that the voice of the Maltese is heard for the working population to have a true defender of their rights.
Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson praised Dr Sant’s speech at the PES congress and said the Labour leader’s proposals on job creation were important and useful for all European Socialists.
Mr Persson said all Maltese and Gozitans should vote for Labour in the forthcoming European Parliament elections on 12 June so that jobs and wealth are created while safeguarding the social aspect at the same time.
Mr Mifsud told The Malta Independent on Sunday that other prominent EU politicians from the PES expressed their wish to visit Malta soon, but things still had to be finalised.
The PES congress also approved Dr George Vella’s nomination as Labour’s representative on the PES presidency, which includes a senior politician from each of the 33 member parties of the PES.
However, Dr Vella could not take part in the PES Congress since he had a high fever and had left quickly for Malta overnight.
He was replaced by Labour Youth Forum International Secretary Keith Azzopardi.
It was a pity that Dr Vella could not reap the fruits of what he had sown for so long, Mr Mifsud told The Malta Independent on Sunday.
The PES Congress also approved the electoral manifesto for the EP elections, which included an amendment proposed by Labour calling for trade unions to be given more say in the EU.
Labour’s spokesperson for women’s rights and public function, Helena Dalli, also addressed the PES congress.
Speaking to the press at the end of the congress yesterday, Dr Sant said that the work done by the Labour delegation in the previous two days was a success and will facilitate further political integration.
“Politics, both on a local level and a European one, must be aimed at safeguarding employment, creating new jobs and ensure social protection,” the Labour leader said.