Stathis Kouvelakis (Syriza (pc)) Recent European elections have shown that the anger of the people of Europe against austerity has mostly been directed in nationalist, populist or far right “eurosceptic” parties. We need to understand this. It is a massive loss of political legitimacy for the EU. It locks in mechanisms of constraint and austerity. Iron cage constructed since the 1980s. Not irrational for people to turn to those who appear to defend people against the EU. Symptom of a lack: that of systematics opposition to EU by the radical left. When the left does not do the job, someone else will occupy the terrain, stealing left demands and mixing them with reactionary ones. That is what differentiates far right from trad right parties. Problem in discourse of the left: we denounce neoliberal policies and treaties and lack of democracy, but we can reform these institutions from within to make them progressive. “Another Europe is possible” — this has never been very inspiring but now it is perceived as correctly as fantasy. EU was set up to oppose populism, distrust of masses and democracy built into foundations of institutions. This became more obvious from 1980s onward. Processes went ahead despite losing virtually every referendum. Monstrous institutions like EU “parliament” with no sovereign power and no legislative introduction function, ie not a parliament. This cannot be changed without consensus of all the leaders, ie in practice the big powers. Creates a neoliberal straitjacket that prevents even moderate protection of welfare state, never mind social democracy or socialism. This EU cannot be reformed. A break is necessary, but at what level will it starts? Must be at national level which is the only democratic basis. This is not a retreat to a nationalist position but the start of a new internationalist policy. 1. in name of democracy and progressive policy, break is necessary 2. this break will start at national level 3. will start in periphery and spread to other countries 4. unilateral approaches unavoidable: disobedience 5. two key battlefield: debt and memorandum 6. euro is open question not taboo for left. exit is a possibility 7. down with borders, down with Fortress Europe Break with a symbolic border to open up Europe to the rest of the world. Our Europe is not EU, we must liberate Europe from EU.
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:51:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015