Poul's blog (archived)

Our Convention is based on engagement and inclusion. There can be no better feeling than being part of a group of people coming together, sharing progressive ideas and most importantly, using those ideas for common action. This creates a sense of ownership and a spirit of togetherness. Such an atmosphere of optimism is precious and priceless.

(6 October, 2011) Over the last two weeks there have been two constants in this latest chapter of the Euro-crisis saga. One is talked about in great detail. One is hardly mentioned.

What has become deafening is the chorus of voices lambasting Eurozone political leaders for acting too slowly. Commentators have called the agonized EU policy response; “a crisis of political will”, “becoming experts in meeting low expectations” and most elegantly, “a grudging incrementalism”.

We are faced with the Eurozone crisis, as we have been for well over a year now. Despite offering the best solutions to the crisis, the PES is, unfortunately, not in power. Instead, right-wing Governments, lead by France and Germany, dominate the EU landscape. During that time, Conservative politicians have gone from denial to panic to reluctant acceptance of the need to act. However, the words they have used have not changed. Now we start the countdown to the European Council on 23-24 June. We cannot afford the same conservative mistakes. We have signed up to the appeal of progressive forces calling for a new direction.

Having just returned from Tunis last weekend I am happy to testify that the forces of progressive change are alive and well. The 3 days in the evolving democracy of Tunisia were inspiring for me and for all the 120 participants at our ‘freedom and progress’ conference. Our sister party FDTL (the Democratic Forum for Work and Freedom) under the leadership of my dear friend Mustapha Ben Jaafar, showed the level of commitment that is needed at this time. The courage shown by the representatives from all over the region – Libya, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Egypt was inspiring. Their testimonies gave further resolve to those gathered. Our message of support for FDTL’s efforts and to all progressives across the region was clear: the EU is not all borders and walls. There is a progressive Europe that is fighting for your interests.