Left: "Pact of solidarity" against the "disintegration" of Europe
A good six months before the European elections, Left Party Chairman Martin Schirdewan warns of a "disintegration" of Europe and is looking for partners for a drastic change of course. This emerges from a thesis paper for a "Pact of Solidarity", which is available to the German Press Agency. Specifically, the Left wants to implement price caps for energy and basic foodstuffs as well as the disempowerment of private hospital, care and housing companies at European level.
The European elections will be held at the beginning of June 2024. Schirdewan is also co-leader of the Left Party in the European Parliament and will be standing again as lead candidate at a party conference next weekend. His party's prospects are unclear, especially as former left-winger Sahra Wagenknecht wants to run with a rival project. Overall, right-wing and far-right parties are on the rise across Europe.
Turning away from debt brakes
The leader of the Left is campaigning for a "U-turn" towards a "democratic and social EU that is strategically independent of the bloc confrontation and dangerous arms race". As in Germany, the Left wants a move away from debt brakes and much more public investment in climate protection, public transport and education. Money for this should come from a Europe-wide minimum tax of 25 percent on companies and higher taxes on private wealth and excess profits, among other things.
A ban on food speculation and a price cap should make food cheaper. The public sector should take back control of clinics and nursing homes, and apartments should increasingly be taken over by local authorities in order to cut rents. "We want to take the ground out from under real estate funds and groups," writes Schirdewan. Such funds should lose their listing on the stock exchange. Bans on evictions and electricity and gas cuts are also proposed.
It is unclear how and with whom the seven-point plan could be implemented. Legislation at European level usually involves the EU Commission, Parliament and the Council of the EU countries. As things stand, there is not enough support in any of the institutions.
The Left Party, led by Martin Schirdewan, is advocating for stronger cooperation among European parties to address the "disintegration" of Europe, as outlined in their "Pact of Solidarity" proposal. This includes initiatives such as implementing price caps for energy and essential food items at a European level. (Parties, Schirdewan, Left, European elections, Pact of Solidarity)
In addition to the European election agenda, Schirdewan also prioritizes domestic issues, such as calling for a U-turn towards a more democratic and social EU, with a focus on debt relief, climate investment, and social services. This includes proposing a Europe-wide minimum tax on companies, a ban on food speculation, and increased public control over healthcare and housing. (schirdewan, Left, European elections, U-turn, democratic and social EU, debt brakes, public investment, climate protection, food speculation, price cap, public sector control, apartments)
Source: www.dpa.com
