PES Manifesto

Sp.a: Social democrats should give people hope for a better future

Published Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:36
by Editor (883 views and 1 comments)

Last Wednesday evening around 18h30. In the renovated Brigittines chapel in Brussels Sp.a co-workers are getting nervous. This evening we present our input for the PES manifesto. We have worked hard to provide for an interesting program (attached), but can it compete with the beautiful spring evening?

At 7 o’clock our fears prove to be unfounded. Sp.a International Secretary Saïd El Khadraoui can introduce the evening before approximately 80 people. We kick off with a debate about New Social Europe. Europe has done pioneering work on certain domains, but it turns out that a lot more can be gained at European level. For example, the health services directive that we are still waiting for. There is no discussion about the need for a more social approach of the Lisbon objectives. But ambitious and enforceable European objectives concerning social themes are a logical next step. The conclusions run parallel: Europe has a lot of instruments at his disposal, but lacks ambition and decisiveness when it comes to social themes. Political action pays off, that becomes clear in dossiers such as the adjusted Bolkenstein directive. As socialists and social democrats we have the responsibility to point out the gaps in policies and formulate social adjustments and alternatives.

During a second session, Flemish Member of the European Parliament and Sp.a environmental expert Bart Martens explains our priorities concerning the discussion paper ‘Save our planet’. Environmental policy is an outstanding example of a domain where Europe can be a superpower in standards. If we set high European standards, other players have to adapt to these standards. At European level we can achieve al lot with regard to low energy housing, transport and carbon low energy consumption. Bart stresses that we have to avoid that those who are in need suffer the harmful consequences of the necessary chances. Governments have an important responsibility to prevent that the required transition makes people pay twice (for example because they can not isolate their house and receive a more expensive invoice).

The next debate broaches EU in the world. The foundation of a World Health Fund can contribute to implement the fundamental right on health care. An important pillar in the pursuit of ‘a social world’ is the support of organisations and trade unions in the South. There is a plead for more stringent directives concerning corporate responsibility. And it's clear that we can’t accept that company interests are the driving force behind the European trade policy. More transparency is a conditio sine qua non. The claim for more transparency and democracy goes also for the functioning of international organisations.

An interesting and successful evening is concluded with a speech from Sp.a President Caroline Gennez and PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. The Sp.a. President regrets that most national politicians only refer to European policy when it comes in handy. Useful European initiatives are claimed, unpopular instructions are blamed on ‘Brussels’. Its our responsibility to run counter to this trend. To name things correctly, make the right analysis and submit social proposals. To formulate an approach for the concrete problems where people are confronted with. Draw up initiatives that guarantee the existence and improvement of our welfare states. Socialist and social democrats must have an answer to the insecurity that takes place. We need to present a project that gives people hope for a better future. That gives them the prospective and possibilities to unfold their own talents and lives. To captivate the possibility of change and the alternative for right wing choices. To end with, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen speaks to the audience about the PES priorities and manifesto. A stimulating round off for an inspiring exercise.

A French version of the Sp.a. contribution is attached to this post.

Saskia De Block, Sp.a

Tags: democracy, energy, environment, health, political parties, transparency, treaty, welfare

File: manifesto_spa_FR.pdf, flyer_spa.pdf