Brussels, 01/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Resisting austerity measures and the dismantling of social and democratic Europe, and how to act, what alternatives are available to the Left to counter social regression - these were the themes of the conference organised in Brussels on Tuesday 31 May by the GUE/NGL Group and the European Social Forum.
Speaking to press, GUE/NGL leader Lothar Bisky (Germany) highlighted the importance of maintaining contact with the various movements on the ground to learn of their experiences, exchange ideas and organise joint action. “The GUE/NGL has worked hard for a peaceful and pacifist Europe and also for a Europe of employment”, said Bisky. The group's aim is to make as many of its policies as possible reflect reality. This can be done, at national level, “by being firmly embedded in the various countries, close to workers and the people” and by establishing, at European level, “contacts with European trade unions and the various social movements”.
Since May 2010, the policies promoted by the EU and conducted at member state level, austerity plans and the issue of public debt have been central to social and political confrontation, says the GUE/NGL in a press release. The “Pact for the euro”, the group goes on, marks a new stage in the commitment by the dominant forces in Europe to abolish the social model and open a new chapter of social regression and increasing the remoteness of democracy. This, it says, puts aside all prospects of ending the crisis in Europe. In response, action has increased, with the young people of Spain (the “indignados”) the latest initiators. (G.B./transl.rt)