Published Friday, November 30, 2007 at 11:38
by
together 
(1523 views and 3 comments)
European political parties can play an important role in shaping European democracy and therefore they should play an important part in our manifesto theme on European Democracy and Diversity. In order to start a discussion, I would like to present two short texts. One is a translated paragraph from the new SPD (German social democrats) manifesto "Hamburg Programme". It is taken from the chapter "Democratic Europe". The second text is composed of a few paragraphs drawn up by me.
1.) This is a quote from the German social democrats on "Democratic Europe":
European democracy requires a European public scope. European media, organizations of civil society, social partners, but even strong European political parties are indispensable for this. Our aim is to develop the Social Democratic Party of Europe to become a functioning members’ and program party. We are favouring the elaboration of a program of social democratic principles for Europe. In the elections to the European Parliament we want to present a pan-European candidate.
If you are interested in reading the whole chapter, you can download the SPD "Hamburg Programme" here
2.) This would be my suggestion for PES statements on representative democracy in the EU:
Strong European parties which put up different models of society in EU elections are a fundamental condition for a democratic Europe. Only if the citizens can understand their options and the consequences of their vote, the electorate has a true and democratic influence on institutions.The target of the European socialist family is to empower citizens to identify the consequences of their EU vote upon their societies.
Europe's socialist parties assume the responsability to elaborate a clear socialist model of society in EU elections which is analogue to political chromatics on national level. The PES has elaborated and is promoting an election program which defines a social and progressive European Union.
We believe that European parties should always consider the European principal of subsidiarity and their policies should reflect the consequences of European lawmaking to national, regional and local level. Therefore Europe's socialist family believes in the benefit of a European party of parties. At the same time the PES activates individual members to discuss EU politics and the PES vision for the New Social Europein their regional and local frame. Their experience should be reflected in our definition for a social and progressive EU.
In my eyes this is what we, as a European party, can offer citizens and we should promote such a statement in the next elections. Now I am looking forward for your comments and amendments!
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Comments
1. The SPD program by chourka
on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 14:23
This is nice and well to put on the table idea such those quoted but it would be nicer and much more appreciated to apply for real. If, our german comrades believe that having a European Party is important to strengthen european Democracy then why not transferring the mitlgliedern data straight to the PSE ? When looking at the past campaigns (Diversity/Intolerance, Childcare) of the PSE, we have to admit that the message is not forwarded by local units secretaries to the members or means (flyers, stickers, posters) are not allocated properly to get a huge success. Personnaly, I am not believing that it is profitable for the PSE to be a European Party of parties. I'd rather support a european party of activists. That is may be why parisian sections are, step by step, transferring their datas to PSE and why we are trying to implement PSE campaigns whatever they are. Of course, it would be appreciated if this motion was fuelled by our national leaders/representatives.2. European political parties - democracy&diversity by lena lin
on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 17:49
Dear together,The German SPD program paragraph, stressing the importance of European media, CSOs, social partners and political parties, is good. But your own suggestion for principles of political activities in EU is even more valuable; clear, concise and enlightening, providing an indispensable clarification of the SPD program paragraph! I vote 5 stars for your input! However, by mistake I voted 1 star and pulled your overall result down. Don't know, if I can correct my mistake, will try!3. as long as by Adam B
on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 18:59
the whole voting for MEP's are linked so much to national elections I find it hard to believe it will make much change. There need as chourka also saids,. more activism, where are you on the streets and where are you telling the people of Europe, what Europe is and what you can do for them? The usual low voter turnout does not enhance this. Again, Europe needs to get closer to its citizens, it is not longer the "permissive consensus"To be able to post comments you need to be logged in. No account yet? Register here! Lost your password?