International

It was a heated discussion of Europe that we had yesterday at the SP’s members’ day at Arnhem’s Open Air Museum, and not only because of the literal heat of the day. The assembled members showered Harry van Bommel (responsible for European affairs in the party’s parliamentary group in the Hague) and myself with questions about the sources of their annoyance: the waste, the high salaries and of course the eurocrisis. The heart of the discussion, however, and not only in Arnhem but in general, concerns people’s dignity. Whether we let the financial markets and neoliberal directors of major corporations run the show in Brussels, or take the power back and work together with ordinary people from the whole of Europe. The SP stands for the latter: no more tricks, no more decisions taken behind the scenes and no eurocratic power games.

Aside from the main programme on the central stage, the day also saw debates in smaller spaces, even during the few hours during which the members could look around the museum. You would have expected that these would be poorly attended, but at the debate on Europe it was standing room only. This demonstrates not only how motivated the average SP member is, but also that people are very much aware that what happens in Brussels over the years to come will affect the whole of the Netherlands. From the national budget to our pay slips, from pensions to the home help service, Brussels has everywhere a finger in the pie.

Harry and I made it clear that should Emile Roemer become Prime Minister this would lead to changes also in what was heard in Brussels. Such a development would not be isolated. In other member states as well a change of policy can be detected. Consider France, where President Hollande is charting a totally different course from his forerunner Sarkozy. The conservative German Chancellor Angela Merkel is increasingly alone in her stance. Emile would be able, via solid alliances with other member states which want to see such a change, to have the effect of a fresh wind in Europe, ensuring for example that the call from the European poverty network is heard and that government leaders take proper account of the consequences of their plans for people who aren’t well off, whose numbers in Europe are unfortunately growing ever greater. He could also ensure that the trade union movement’s call for a social pact is taken seriously. The Dutch trade unions also want to get down to brass tacks this autumn. No demolition policy but rewarding work. No exploitation of so-called ‘detached’ workers, but equal pay for equal work. There is in Brussels such a great deal to be done. I certainly hope that as Prime Minister Emile still has some time left for The Hague.