Published Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 12:34
by
Editor
in Debate (295 views and 0 comments)
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 12:50
by
negrescuvictor 
in Debate (247 views and 0 comments)
PES activists Romania proudly organized a PES activists campaign exchange for the national elections that took place on the 30th of November.
Around 10 PES activists came to Romania, and more exactly Bucharest, to campaign for Victor NEGRESCU, PES activists Romania National Coordinator, who ran for a place in the Chamber of Deputies.Their activities included distributing materials, participating at the candidates events and supporting him during different activities.
The activists had the occassion to meet the PSD Romania President, Mr Mircea Geoana, and even supported him during a live TV show.Unfortunately our candidate got 30% but because of the redistribution process didn’t got into the Parliament.
It was a very good exprience for us Romanian PES activists and hope to have the chance to welcome other activists during future elections.
read more
Published Monday, December 15, 2008 at 01:45
by
rikkeindenmark
in Debate (299 views and 0 comments)
I was very excited to experience the launch of the brand new PES manifesto at the Council in Madrid earlier this month. A truly exciting event and, also, an interesting manifesto with a lot of progressive proposals for a better Europe.
With respect to the PES manifesto I am particularly glad to see that one of the six points of the agenda is 'Championing Gender Equality in Europe'. My full support for the proposals made in this section of the manifesto: A European Women's Rights Charter, a Commissioner for Gender Equality, improving parental leave rights, eradicating trafficking of women and children etc. etc. Very well done!
However, I still feel something is missing on women's rights... Are Europe's socialists and social democrats still not able to agree on a decent proposal regarding prostitution? Women's rights organizations - national as well as international - have been saying for decades that prostitution is a serious danger to women's physical and mental health. It seems socialists cannot agree on criminalizing the buyer (the Swedish model), but maybe we could agree on being against the legalization of prostitution (as we see it, for example, in the Netherlands and Germany)? I know the debate on prostitution is a controversial one, also in socialist fora, but maybe it is time to bring up the issue? I, for one, would certainly like to see some more visionary and brave ideas coming from Europe's socialist and social democratic parties with respect to...
read morePublished Monday, December 8, 2008 at 17:23
by
jose reis santos
in Debate (470 views and 1 comments)
Being in Madrid and
having the opportunity to see the Council from backstage was
possibly one of the best experiences I had in my political
life.Published Monday, December 8, 2008 at 12:20
by
noelhatch
in Debate (352 views and 0 comments)
"What is the difference between markets and people? When markets are free they destroy each other and they destroy people. When people are free, they thrive together."
That was just one of the calls for putting people first at the PES Congress in Madrid for the adoption of the PES Manifesto.
Being amongst activists from across Europe, we were experiencing a unique moment of international fraternity. Unique, because the PES Manifesto was shaped by all of us who took part in the debates that took place right across the continent and for the first time in England, a progressive cocktail featuring think tanks, campaigning groups, trade unions, MPs and MEPs and of course activists themselves. Unique, because PES Activists brought together people from every social democratic party in Europe, not only here for the launch, but where you are, in your local areas and online. Unique, because very few of our comrades and even less of our citizens get the opportunity to experience moments of solidarity, especially in our country where Europe has been seen at best as a whispered footnote and at worst as a dirty taboo.
We were reminded that everyone involved in...
read morePublished Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 18:59
by
Editor
in Debate (633 views and 0 comments)
On December 1st in Madrid Europe’s socialist, social democratic
and labour parties will adopt a common manifesto for the European
elections in 2009. It will be a joint political platform for 33
parties from 27 EU countries under the umbrella of the Party of
European Socialists (PES).
‘People first: A new direction for Europe’ won’t
be some lowest common denominator but a powerful document in
which the PES
• sets out a new, progressive direction for
Europe,
• offers a clear choice between the PES and its
conservative, liberal and populist opponents,
• puts forward a serious alternative to 5 years
of conservative majority in the European Union.
We created a common Manifesto thanks to all of you and the
contributions you sent us!
Do you want to continue participating, but you cannot come to
Madrid?
The PES set up several ways to allow everyone to get
involved:
Follow the public adoption of the PES manifesto via the live
streaming, available on PES website on Monday the 1st of December
from 12.30 to 14.00 (central European time)
Have your say. Ask your question to the PES leaders attending the
Plenary on Monday morning, by emailing it at
Published Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 22:46
by
cariuli
in Debate (574 views and 2 comments)
DS (Italy) Companions, for the next 1 and 2 December 2008 will return your party. On that date will be held in Madrid, the Council of Party of European Socialists (PES) for the official accession to the Manifesto 2009 and for the official opening of the campaign for the European Parliament elections. Since Veltroni can not put his signature to the ratification of the election manifesto, for internal problems in the Democratic Party, will resurrect the Democrats of the Left (DS) and the charge covered by his last secretary - liquidator, Piero Fassino . It will be just him to sign the Manifesto of the Socialists, of course, not on behalf of PD but as secretary of DS, forgetting for two days he had dissolved the party and formed the Democratic Party. Since the European elections are upon us, I think it's time to make clear not to appear ridiculous and to protect the policy of PSE in Italy.
http://cariuli.ilcannocchiale.it/
read morePublished Friday, November 21, 2008 at 15:28
by
Editor
in Debate (528 views and 0 comments)
Published Monday, November 17, 2008 at 15:34
by
Editor
in Debate (632 views and 3 comments)
The annual March of Equality walked through the city of
Poznan, capital of the Wielkopolska region.
Approximately three hundred people took part and 350 policemen
protected them. But apparently it was not enough.
Right after the conclusion of the demonstration, a few young
activists holding banners: ¨Diversity YES, Intolerance No¨
bearing PES were attacked by thugs and hooligans.
Mateusz was severely beaten, just because he was carrying a PES
banner. A girl who was accompanying him, Magda, had her arms
twisted in order to take the banner away from her. The rest of
the staff managed to escape from the attackers.
“Our activists were attacked because they were demonstrating
peacefully for tolerance. I am very glad that they were not
seriously injured, and my first thoughts are with them. I thank
them for their bravery and I wish them a full and fast recovery
from their injuries and their undoubted shock”, said Poul Nyrup
Rasmussen, the PES President.
“I also have a
message for the cowards who carried out the attack. We will not
be intimidated by this violence. Not in Poznan, not anywhere. It
will only strengthen our determination...
Published Monday, November 17, 2008 at 11:40
by
julian_schaerbeek
in Debate (479 views and 0 comments)
The EU is like a good pair of shoes – the best for us to walk to a better future said Frans Timmermans, Europe Minister of the Netherlands at the Dutch Labour Party’s Europe Day in Groningen on Saturday. He said that if you have a stone in your shoe, after a while the only thing you are aware of is the stone digging into your foot. That’s like Europe, people complain about problems like the Parliament moving between Brussels and Strasbourg, and forget Europe’s amazing achievements.
Over 300 people from all over the Netherlands turned up for the Europe Day which was also addressed by MEPs Ieke van den Burg and Jan Marinus Wiersma, by PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Dutch Labour Party leader Wouter Bos. It was also the first public debate of the four people who are competitng to be selected as head of the Dutch Labour Party list for the European elections.
read morePublished Monday, October 13, 2008 at 16:59
by
Editor
in Debate (927 views and 1 comments)
A great opportunity for all PES activists to take part in a cross
border campaign exchange is forthcoming!
Victor Negrescu, candidate for deputies in Bucharest of the
Social Democratic Party and the coordinator of PES activists
Romania, is inviting you to Romania for the period of November 23
to November 30.
Romanian parliamentary elections are going to take place on
November the 30th!
As a candidate of Bucharest, his campaign will focus on six
priorities:
1. Life in big cities: a right, a problem, a
main priority;
2. The right to a healthier environment in
traffic;
3. The environment, a major commitment;
4. Romania, a country of innovation;
5. A decent income for all citizens;
6. Urbanism, architecture.
These are some of the activities in which you will be
involved:
- door to door campaign;
- distribution of condoms and roses;
- meetings with the electors;
- visiting cafés
Please notice that all the costs of your accommodation will be
assured by PES activists Romania.
For more information, please download the invitation attached.
Application forms have to be send back to activist@pes.ro by
October...
Tags: activists, campaign, candidates
File:
registration form pes activists.doc,
invitation pes activists.doc,
Invitation pes fr.doc,
Formulaire.doc
Published Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 10:22
by
elwira30
in Debate (896 views and 1 comments)
Marek Siwiec, Vice-President of the European Parliament and
member of the Socialist Group in the EP has initiated an action
"Good Bag".
Throughout his constituency in the Wielkopolska region Marek
Siwiec's assistants and members of local bodies of Democratic
Left Alliance (SLD) have been distributing eco bags of the PSE
Group in the EP with attached letters of the MEP and leaflets
with environmental tips.
Also, the inhabitants could take part in a survey and find out
about their Carbon Footprint.
The action, very much liked by the inhabitants, will be conducted
in 30 districts.
read more
Published Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 11:02
by
Editor
in Debate (934 views and 1 comments)
The PES encourages its activists and member parties to support
the European Women’s Lobby 50/50 campaign for more women at the
top of European politics www.5050democracy.eu
Zita Gurmai, President of PES Women and great supporter of
the European Women’s Lobby campaign, said: “It gives me great
pleasure to support the European Women’s Lobby 50/50 campaign. We
need more women at every level of European politics, including at
the top. It has been a disgrace to see how few women were ever
mentioned in all that talk about people supposedly in the frame
for top EU jobs. I think it made people realize that something
needed to be done to promote the involvement of women. The EU is
not a men’s club.”
For more info www.pes.org
Published Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 09:50
by
locuta
in Debate (894 views and 2 comments)
A very quick
introduction for some context: My name is Kirsten Verdel, I'm
from the Netherlands where I am a member of the PvdA (Dutch
Labour Party). But I currently reside in Washington DC, where I
am working in Barack Obama's campaign, at the national
headquarters of the Democratic Party.
Last week, Hillary Clinton was at the headquarters for a while.
Like many other 'high profile' Democrat before her, she got a
tour through the building to say hello to the campaigners. And
what happened before so many times as well, happened that day
too: I was introduced as 'our official representative of the rest
of the world'.
I am -so I'm told- the first and only foreigner who works at the
national HQ during a presidential race. Quite the responsibility,
so I hope Obama wins. I also hope he will win because it would be
such a difference from the eight Bush years we've had to endure
as 'the rest of the world'. I always tell people that just the
way Obama addresses issues will prove to be a difference in
global politics. He wants to talk to people, negotiate without
preconditions, as opposed to the more warmongering language that
certain Republicans tend to use. There is a reason that a great
majority of the Europeans want to see Obama in the White
House...
The campaign itself is quite different from European...
Published Monday, September 15, 2008 at 17:19
by
Editor
in Debate (935 views and 2 comments)
Check out the video and let us know your opinion. What do you think about the choice of such a young candidate as the front runner? Do you agree with his analysis about a change in the Danish public opinion towards Europe?
read morePublished Monday, September 8, 2008 at 20:19
by
carl0s
in Debate (741 views and 1 comments)
The 80s were unusual in the UK. Let's call them the "bad old
days". But with the right-wing Conservative government intent on
pursuing a divisive social agenda, and decaying cities and public
infrastructure, many people were motivated to become politically
active for the first time.
We saw in Vienna how Young Socialists in Austria are aiming to
emulate the famous "Rock Against Racism" campaigns from the late
1970s. This was a campaign that sprang into life after an Eric
Clapton declared his support for anti-immigration Conservative
Enoch Powell in the middle of a gig. The response to Clapton
co-incided with development of punk rock, so the first RAR
festivals boasted performances by The Clash, Buzzcocks, Steel
Pulse, The Fall, X-Ray Spex, The Ruts, Sham 69, Generation X, the
Tom Robinson Band, Graham Parker and the Rumour, and Misty in
Roots.
Click to read more
read morePublished Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 16:33
by
Editor
in Debate (677 views and 0 comments)
Democratic governance
relies on active participation, both in terms of those who stand
for political office and those who elect them.
If you are interested in attending the event in order to have an
overview of the different electoral systems and voting patterns
across the EU, as well as explore particularities of specific
electorates such as expatriates and ethnic minorities, younger
and older voters, or women, you just have to fill in the online
registration form available here.
The conference will take place @ the Headquarters of the
Committee of the Regions (Room 52, rue Belliard 101, B-1040
Brussels) on 10 September 2008 (09h30-13h30).
The program and further information are available on the PES Group – Committee of the Regions
website.
Published Monday, September 1, 2008 at 16:00
by
carl0s
in Debate (766 views and 2 comments)
Political parties primarily use the internet to win votes. A secondary purpose is to galvanise and mobilise supporters. In a previous posting, I argue that many conventional approaches to internet campaigning ignore these simple conversion metrics and try to apply glossy promotional techniques which alienate, bore and patronise the general public - especially a public experiencing tough economic times.
We have to acknowledge that a large part of the electorate are not interested in reading about politics on the internet. Pornography and shopping are the real generators of internet traffic and revenue, and this is not likely to change, despite online video continuing to gain in popularity. Blogs have mushroomed in numbers, but despite the vibrancy of some, a US study recently revealed that only 56% of American internet users actually read political blogs. Of these, only 17% were under 21 years old - and all of these users tended to stick with the same one or two blogs on a regular basis.
It appears that blogs are often literally preaching to the converted, but this is not always the case. In the UK the most popular blogs have tended to be written by conservatives from a center-right perspective. It's certainly true that the readership of these is not necessarily right-wing - showing how wider popularity can be gained amongst the public through quality writing and coverage of interesting topics.
The question, then, is how anything as apparently... read morePublished Friday, August 29, 2008 at 10:46
by
Editor
in Debate (1318 views and 5 comments)
PES activists
in Hungary are showing their support for Barack Obama by
preparing apricot jam for the Democrat candidate to the US
Presidency.
In fact, "Barack" means apricot in Hungarian so activists meeting in the Hungarian city Tallya decided to produce and sell this jam labelled "Barack for Obama". The funds collected were given to local organizations that fight child poverty.
As Matyas Gati, one of the organizers, put it “This is a fun way of making a serious point. Barack Obama is very popular in Hungary because he is so charismatic and because he offers a real alternative to the Republicans who have made such a mess of things in America and abroad. We also wanted to show that we PES activists share the same democratic values and aspirations as Mr Obama. He embodies the principles and values we want to promote as PES activists. We support his ideas for change and the attitude of his politics.” Check the video with a shorter version of the interview.
And don't miss PES activists video showing how activists prepared the whole thing!
read morePublished Friday, August 29, 2008 at 00:43
by
rikkeindenmark
in Debate (1030 views and 2 comments)
On the back cover of
DSU'eren, the magazine of the Danish Social Democratic Youth (DSU), you can
spot this recruitment poster for PES activists Denmark: 'We want
you!" Do you recognize the person who has taken the place of Mr.
Lincoln? Yes, you're right, it's Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, the PES
President.
Thanks to DSU for their creativity and enthusiasm!
If I caught the attention of any Danes with this post I'll take
the opportunity and spread some other good news: PES activists
Denmark will be present at the upcoming Congress of the Danish party. Meet Danish PES
activists at the PES stand in Aalborg Congress Centre on the 6th
and 7th of September 2008!
read more
Published Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 09:18
by
rikkeindenmark
in Debate (1206 views and 2 comments)
How do we turn our
political ideas and visions into great campaigns?
In my view, this is the next big challenge that PES activists are
up for! Since October last year PES activists have discussed the
PES manifesto and what issues and ideas should be in it -
'online' on Yourspace as well as 'offline' at manifesto meetings
all over Europe.
We have lots and lots of amazing ideas and I almost can't wait to
get started on the campaigning! Before long we will have to pick
from our ideas and select the issues which we would like to give
special attention in future international PES activist campaigns.
Are some issues more 'suitable' for cross-border, grassroot
campaigning than others?
A few days ago I gave a presentation at the ECOSY summer camp (ECOSY is the European Young Socialists which gathers socialist youth movements from all over Europe) where I suggested four basic principles which, in my view, should guide the 'transition' from visionary manifesto process to succesful campaigning. Here goes:
It's pretty...
Tags: activists, campaign, youth
File:
handouts_ECOSY_26072008.pdf
Published Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 14:50
by
Editor
in Debate (1189 views and 0 comments)
The consultation process on the PES manifesto for the European Elections has recently ended and the final manifesto will be presented to the PES Council, in Madrid. It has been a tremendous success and the PES is now in a better position going into the 2009 European elections. Check out PES leaders' evaluations of the manifesto consultation process here on Yourspace,
Portuguese PM José Sócrates French PS leader François Hollande
read more
Published Monday, July 28, 2008 at 16:44
by
Editor
in Debate (1246 views and 1 comments)
With the freedom of movement that citizens enjoy within the European Union there are thousands of PES member party members living, working or studying in other European countries. With the right to vote in their country of residence, what better time than the European elections for socialists and social democrats from different European countries living in the same city to come together? The PES sees enormous potential to mobilize in their country of residence party members and supporters abroad. Many of our member parties agree, and want to work together to get all socialist and social democratic party members to work together regardless of their nationality. Already parties such as the Portuguese PS and Romanian PSD are working to integrate their members abroad into local party sections in their countries...
read morePublished Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 16:27
by
Editor
in Debate (1321 views and 0 comments)
After a successful workshop on online campaigning at the Vienna Forum, several activists offered us their ideas. Jon Worth pointed to the need for further online debate and commentary in the run up to the 2009 elections. Aidan O’Sullivan highlighted the need for grassroots activist to activist campaigning using all available media. One activist suggested the creation of a Europe wide holiday.
read more
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 12:04
by
Editor
in Debate (1743 views and 0 comments)
Didn't make it to Vienna Forum? Miss it already?
Relive the moment and check out comments and interviews from the Vienna Forum with PES activists from across Europe on our Youtube page and stay tuned to Yourspace for more forum videos on themes such as online campaigning, emocracy and diversity, Europe in the world and Saving our planet.
read morePublished Monday, July 14, 2008 at 09:43
by
rikkeindenmark
in Debate (1248 views and 2 comments)
Think Obama,
not Blair!
Be careful with negative campaigning, but not afraid of it!
Online campaigning is as much hard work as traditional
campaigning!
Keep moderation of online fora to a minimum, but make sure
that 'trolls' don't spoil the fun and limit participation!
These were just a few of the conclusions from the workshop on online campaigning at the recent PES activist forum in Vienna.
The workshop's panel consisted in four PES activists sharing
their experiences with online tools: Jon Worth from the UK,
Esteban Romero from Spain, Victor Negrescu from Romania and
myself, Rikke Skovgaard Andersen from Denmark. All speakers are
heavily involved in online campaigning activities.
The presentations varied from general advice on online
campaigning and use of social networks to presentations of
concrete, online activities and tools that PES activists can use.
The panel answered several questions from the audience - among
other things the debate adressed topics such as 'critical mass'
for an online debate forum, advantages vs. disadvantages of
online polls and the feasibility for 'Obama-style' fundraising
via small, online donations.
There's a lot of potential in online campaigning - something which workshop participants were certainly aware of. Online tools...
read moreTags: activists, campaign, European elections, forum
File:
jon.zip,
rikke.zip
Published Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 09:52
by
carlosmoret
in European democracy & diversity (1123 views and 0 comments)
The
Vienna forum was a very rich encounter. As for me the
presentation of activist campaigning was especially interesting,
since I tend to get easily involved. On the one hand there is the
manifesto2009, well under way that gives us a common platform for
the parliamentary elections, but that does not give me clues as
how to campaign. The Manifesto is an excellent tool, but we have
to sell it.
In the presentation "Experience Europe - Cross-border campaign exchanges" the panel was formed by four activists presenting different aspects of their campaigning in Ireland, Spain, Portugal and France.
Adrian O'Sullivan presented us his experience with PES activists
coming to Ireland to help in their election. I wasn't planning to
make a report, and therefore took no notes, just took pictures.
Adrian mentioned that integrating the non Irish activists was a
priority. There were the logistic...
Tags: activists, campaign, forum, PES
File:
J_Reis_Santos_vienna.ppt
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