Articles with tag “Europe”
Resolving the Brexit Impasse
Well, we finally have a proposed agreement by which the UK could withdraw from the EU. It’s just a pity that no one actually agrees with it. In fact, disagreeing to it is about the only thing the House of Commons can agree on.
The Implications of Portugal for a Renewal of Social Democracy
For some time I’ve been curious about what’s been happening with of the Left-supported social democratic government in Portugal. It struck me as the best argument against my suspicion that a classical social democratic government are not possible within capitalism today. I recently read two reports on the experience of government there: an enthusiastic one written by a social democratic think-tank, and a more critical one from an activist with the radical left Bloco de Esquerda which is supporting the minority government there.
You Don’t Have to Like Brexit, But You do Have to Live With it
Well, the vote was for Brexit. I can’t say I’m a fan of the EU, but I take no joy in this outcome. With its narrative of out-of-control immigration, the interfering outsiders, and Britain no longer being Great thanks to the burdens of the EU. It was not a pleasant campaign for those of us on the Left. However, the vote happened. We don’t have to like it or agree with it, but we have to accept it.
Greeks Bearing Debts
Just over five months ago, Greece elected a new government lead by left-wing party SYRIZA. SYRIZA comes out of a radical tradition rejecting both reformist social democracy and authoritarian communism and was swept to power on a wave of anti-austerity sentiment. Austerity refers to the massive cuts to public spending (tending to hurt particularly those on lower incomes) which Greece has endured over the past five years, along with the associated policies of deregulation, cuts to the minimum wage, an end to collective bargaining, and the privatization of anything which actually makes a profit for the government.
On Europe, the Left, and the Future
For those of you who weren’t aware, there are currently elections going on for the European Parliament. What is interesting about this election, in particular, is that the more radical parties are expected to do well. This includes the socialist parties to the left of social democracy. In this post, in addition to some general comments on the European Parliament, I discuss the policies of these parties and my thoughts on their future.
