Social Democratic sunshine breaking through the clouds
24 March 2006
Despite a summit clouded by disagreements over economic protectionism, the Party of European Socialists believes that the influence of Socialist and Social Democratic Prime Ministers is shifting Europe towards a more social democratic road to renewal.
"Some positive and promising decisons were taken despite the tensions and disagreements" said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists. "Although there is a growing cynicism about the gap between rhetoric and reality in European politics, I am encouraged by the emphasis on on flexicurity, a new energy initiative, and on the need to invest in growth. What is needed now is for countries to show that they are willing to put good words into equally good practice."
Rasmussen added "The energy initiative was proposed by Tony Blair last October and has the full support of the Leaders of Europe's Socialist, Social Democratic and Labour Parties. The PES has already agreed to develop a joint long-term strategy for energy geared towards sustainable development and integrating in a coherent manner both climate change and security of supply. This Socialist strategy will feed into the EU's energy debate."
On flexicurity Rasmussen commented "The European Commission's conversion to the benefits of flexicurity is testament to the success of Nordic social democratic policies in combining economic competitivesness with strong social protection. It is what the citizens of Europe want. Our challenge is to make sure that flexicurity retains its social democratic flavour and is not watered down by those such as de Villepin who like the flexibility but neglect the security. Without clear guarantees of support to enter the labour market, and to move from the job of yesterday to the job of tomorrow, nobody will support greater flexibility. There is no attraction in pain without a clear sight of gain."
On the need for public investment to stimulate growth Rasmussen said "Socialist Prime Ministers gave strong support to José Socrates intervention in favour of public spending to kick start growth and jobs. This is the direct result of the PES growth and investment strategy and our recent Leaders meeting in Prague. It is useful that the Council conclusions require member states to provide information on public spending on economic reforms. This is a step down a road which Europe's social democratic parties will be pursuing for a more coordinated approach to investment in the Lisbon priorities. Europe needs investment to stimulate growth."
On economic protectionism Rasmussen added "Socialists are not in favour of economic nationalism or protectionism. Our approach is to offer social protection, and to help people work and contribute to a decent society, but not to prop up obsolete jobs or companies. But neoliberals have a tendency to call anything they dont like protectionism. Protecting workers rights is not protectionism."
