International

This weekend SP leader Emile Roemer hosted an international gathering in Amsterdam on the economic and political crisis in Europe. Representatives of sister parties from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, Portugal and Cyprus were among the participants. The major theme of their talks: how to find a social way out of the crisis.

Next to SP leader Emile Roemer, Finnish Minister of Sport and Culture Paavo Eekki Arhinmäki.

Roemer: ‘The crisis is now being misused, primarily to dismantle forms of security. It touches pensions and benefits; social workplaces are being closed down; people in vulnerable situations have to cope with huge spending cuts and many other measures are being taken which affect ordinary people. This is unjust and also unnecessary. Government representatives from different countries, from Norway, Iceland, Finland and Cyprus have given us numerous examples of policy measures which are effective and under which the bill for the crisis is not sent to people who bear absolutely no responsibility for it.’

Iceland’s Finance Minister Steingrímur Sigfússon: ‘A social solution and way out of the crisis is possible.’

In Roemer’s view the alternatives discussed are sound. “Regulate the markets, tackle speculation, get rid of bonuses and other excesses. Take the money for economic recovery from where it is found, and protect the public sector. Invest immediately in a sustainable economy and preserve employment. The sooner we as the SP can get into the driver’s seat with this approach the better it will be for the economy, the Dutch people, and the standing of politics.”

Roemer: ‘Another point that came to the fore during our meeting is the importance of strengthening democracy in times of crisis. In order to be able to tackle this crisis effectively we need more democracy, and certainly not less democracy. Confidence and support are things which we will only receive if the people are convinced of the just and effective nature of our solutions. Elected parliaments and democratically legitimised governments must no longer look away or duck the issues, but accept their responsibility. They should not allow themselves to be crippled by what the financial markets get up to, but where necessary regulate and steer these markets. We have agreed that we should send a message that a social route out of the crisis is possible and necessary, and that we will carry this out in Europe with all that we have. We must let the people know that not only is our analysis of the crisis better, but that we have reliable solutions.