The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Mayday for the European left

Five elections in the first week of May will show whether the left can recover.

By Olaf Cramme Pat... Published 17 April 2012 12:56

French Socialist presidential candidate Francois Hollande. Photograph: Getty Images.

The first week of May will see Europe's left contest no less than five telling elections. The deciding round of the French presidential election will take place on 6 May with the focus firmly on whether Francois Hollande can deliver the widely expected rallying point for European social democracy. In the UK, local council elections and the London mayoral ballot come at a decisive point in Ed Miliband’s leadership. And in Germany, a snap election in North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous region with huge political importance, could rock Angela Merkel and give a stagnating SPD much needed momentum. National contests will also take place in crisis-stricken Greece and in Serbia.

What is clear is that European voters have become increasingly sceptical about the dogmatic austerity and ill-suited remedies put forward by centre-right governments. This might well translate into election victories for the left but the critical question remains whether or not Francois Hollande and his European counterparts have a sharp and coherent political strategy for government in these straightened times.

Alas, the answer is that social democracy still has to find its way. This might be unfair, but it is the reality. The left is caught-up in a credibility trap: there is both a perceived and real delivery deficit surrounding key pillars of its political, social and economic offer.

People want governments to protect them from the myriad insecurities created by globalisation and economic change, but they also want to be empowered with more choice and control in their lives, not centralised bureaucracy. The central dilemma is that the left appears to promise much to voters, yet too many electorates are no longer convinced that centre-left parties have the capacity to deliver on their promises.

In truth, this is a dilemma not just for the left but for liberal democracy as a whole. There is a crisis of faith in politics borne of the contest between the dynamics of the global economy and the struggle of national politicians to control and temper it.

It is this often a violent swing between unfounded hope and unrealistic expectation that undermines trust and faith in governments and the political process. This crisis of politics hits the left hardest because social democrats have always espoused collective action through public institutions rooted in representative democracy and the public interest.

Addressing this credibility gap and delivery deficit goes much deeper than mere political positioning, opposition point scoring and new rhetoric. Serious intellectual debate and enquiry is needed to address the exhausted form of western capitalist democracies from a social democratic perspective.

To this end, Policy Network has published A Centre-Left Project for New Times, a distinctive manual for political renewal which sets out how left-of-centre parties can turn the tide of stagnation and attain a new vibrancy and radicalism.

The premise is that social democrats must embark on a four-legged process of political renewal and strategic thinking which draws together governing values, policy challenges, structural constraints and public attitudes.

The first leg focuses on guiding values. These work best not as grand abstract principles, but as ethical ideals and governing values that have purchase in the real world where there are inevitably hard choices and competing alternatives. It relates to what social democracy stands for today and how it should relate to other ideological families such as social liberalism and the green movement.

The second leg is policy challenges and core political concerns. Social democrats need to identify the most insistent social and economic challenges, and then outline a realistic political agenda that speaks to and protects a broad social constituency, acknowledging that many traditional pillars of the social democratic offer are exhausted. Values only have meaning to the extent they can be applied to the world as it is, not as we would prefer it to be. Only then can we set our own distinctive political agenda.

The third leg is institutional and structural constraints. Social democratic parties have acquired a wealth of governing experience over the last two decades. But they often underperformed in government as a result of fault-lines within the very system of representative democracy and governance itself. This was the consequence of a failure to understand how to overcome the institutional constraints and governing pathologies arising from the process of governing in contemporary democracies.

The fourth leg is public attitudes and preferences. The last decade has witnessed a dramatic shift in Europe’s self-belief and confidence. Grasping the extent to which this development has affected the basic attitudes and preferences of voters is absolutely indispensable for European social democracy, which in many countries stands accused of being out of touch with the political zeitgeist, and important strands of public opinion.

As is spelled out in the pamphlet, it is necessary to draw together all of these concerns. There are many obstacles, but social democracy has new opportunities and new challenges, freed from the burden of the Cold War but also facing the greatest crisis in the history of western capitalism since the Second World War. It can attain a new vibrancy if it is prepared to escape the straitjacket of past approaches and governing instruments, defining a contemporary left-of-centre political project for new times. As John Maynard Keynes once remarked, "The biggest problem is not to let people accept new ideas, but to let them forget the old ones".

Olaf Cramme, Patrick Diamond & Michael McTernan are authors of A Centre-Left Project for New Times available at Policy Network.

Special Offer: Get 12 issues of New Statesman magazine for just £12

Tags: French presidential election Francois Hollande

More from Olaf Cramme Patrick Diamond Michael McTernan

View the discussion thread.

44 comments

Thu, 2012-11-29 10:11 — cheap nba Snapback caps (not verified)

The expressing goes, "Make this entire world a trendy place", whoever has explained this knows the relevance of design and the part clothes and components can play in creating a person appear very awesome and trendy.Mesh Snapback Hats Aside from funky outfits, a single main accessory that can support an individual attain the seem of urbanity and superiority and adds fashion in their general appear is the new period fitted hat. When sports activities lovers all more than the globe like to flaunt their fashion, really like for sports activities and their favorite group, they normally opt for a new period hat to go to a ground and cheer their favorite staff. It is a great version of the hip hop design and fashion it has turn into a lot more of an exemplary and archetypal layout than something else. A single can locate these hats in the browsing heart,NBA Boston Celtics Snapback Hats super market place and even at an e-shop making use of the world wide web. The major element that can make these hats a well-liked garments product or accessory is the design with which they are produced of. They are designed with the radical thought of trying to keep type and comfort of the wearer in brain. The sole cause of putting fantastic effort of generating the new period snapback caps with so a lot interest on comfort and layout is so that the clients do not get afflicted with uneasiness although they invest in the goods. Apart from excellent seems, these caps are also acknowledged for quality and toughness and are produced with drinking water resistant and sweat band center. This is the most critical component of any merchandise that is worn outdoors or in the sunshine since the rough and tough weather situation exactly where the wearer is much more very likely to confront the sweat can damage the caps and make the wearer sense uneasy. Despite the fact that, we all like to costume in style and put on incredibly good seeking components but there is no denying the simple fact that price range remains the major portion in deciding what we ought to acquire. Thanks to the globalization of the web, customers can now evaluate charges and get remarkable offers on their obtain of new period fitted hat. In reality, a good deal of e-shops also give these Tisa snapback Hats at prices if you program to buy a great deal of caps at once. There is no denying the truth that the internet is a fantastic location to store and acquire new period snapback or fitted hats but currently being a responsible consumer, it is crucial for you to verify the trustworthiness of the e-shop before positioning an buy.Click here

Sat, 2012-11-24 19:14 — angela_choi01 (not verified)

great publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite experts of this sector do not understand this. You must continue your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

Thu, 2012-11-22 21:30 — 4insure

Parliamentary democracy is a representative democracy where government is appointed by representatives as opposed to a presidential rule wherein the President is both head of state and the head of government and is elected by the voters. Under a parliamentary democracy, government is exercised by delegation to an executive ministry and subject to ongoing review, checks and balances by the legislative parliament elected by the people. Thanks.

Wed, 2012-10-03 04:29 — Fitted Hats (not verified)

Obtaining the Most suitCapable hat is Complicated for some Individuals. They are unCapable to Locate a hat which Matchs Nicely on their Mind and Really Appears Wonderful. It can Undoubtedly be frustrating for these People when they see a Hat they like, but are unCapable to Purchase it as it does not Match Nicely. The Sizing is Possibly As well Huge or As well Little and Therefore does not give the Seem it is meant to. There is Having said that Decent Information for these Individuals. A new entrance into the Style Marketplace of New Era caps aObtain hats Requires Aside this Difficulty and has Produced it Feasible for Individuals to Put on all Varieties of these Hats Not Possessing Possessing to Be concerned about Match Once aObtain.SnapBack aObtain hats Offer Individuals with the Most effective Type of Match that can be Discovered in hats along with the comfort that A single Demands Whilst Put oning Mindgear. They are Offered in a Big Wide Variety which Creates it Feasible for Each and everyA single to Pick that Specific Mindgear, which not only Fits them, but which Aids them in Developing or Carrying out their Specific Design. It is only Via Style that A single can Carry out his Specific Design Declaration so why not use Inexpensive Supreme Snapback Hats aObtains to do so?With the availability of Inexpensive Solutions, Individuals have been Capable to Purchase these hats and Remain Nicely Inside of their Variety Whilst portraying their Specific Design. They are Frequently Utilized by Individuals to Help their Sports activities Group by Possibly Possessing the Brand of the Group printed on the Back aObtain or by Purchaseing Inexpensive Pieces which Arrive with the Brand Previously printed. Either way, they are Regarded as to be a Superb way for Individuals to Display their loyalty to the Groups they Help. In comparison to other Points which are Utilized to Display Group loyalty This kind of as Outfits and jerseys, Inexpensive Solutions are the Simplest and Inexpensiveest way of Displaying loyalty to A singles Group. Other than Getting Utilized for Ymcmb Snapback Hats Sports activities Functions, they are also a Superb way for Helping or Advertising a Specific Firm or Maybe even for Advertising a Induce. And the Most effective Component is that these Inexpensive snapBack aObtains can be Put on on a Every Day time Time frame which would Support Obtain Reputation and Help for the Induce.Other than Making use of Inexpensive snapBack aObtains for This kind of Functions, they can also be Surpriseed to Close Buddys and Loved ones. Not only are these Inexpensive snapBack aObtains trendy and StyleCapable, they are in Design and are Frequently affordCapable by Lots of. Hence when Providing a Surprise to someA single you Adore, you would not have to Commit a Great deal of mA singley when Purchaseing Inexpensive snapBack aObtains and However you would be Capable to give that Unique someA single a Surprise that is trendy and which could be Utilized on a Frequent Time frame. It is even Much better if your Buddy/Loved ones Fellow member is a Sports activities Admirer. You could Constantly get their Preferred Group's logo/emblem printed on the Back aObtain. This is Anything they Certainly would Adore and Put on Close to Each and every Day time. The Most effective Element about these Hats is that you do not Require to Be concerned about the Sizing and Regardless of whether it would Match or not. They are Produced in This kind of a way that they Match all Mind Sizings and are adjustCapable as Nicely.These are Undoubtedly a Superb new Add-on into the Style Marketplace. They can be Utilized for Several Factors as mentiA singled above or they could Merely be Put on as an Add-onal Style accessory. NBA Snapback Hats aObtains are Very trendy and Enjoyment to Put on. These are Superb Surprises to give to Other people as Nicely. So why not Attempt sporting Inexpensive snapBack aObtains and Carry out the StyleCapable you?

Sat, 2012-09-15 18:53 — Johnny Wilder (not verified)

very nice blog !

Keep up with The excellent posts.

see you,

Fri, 2012-08-31 11:47 — Brett McDonald (not verified)

Hello I think that your blog is quite nice!

Tue, 2012-09-04 14:07 — drive movie jacket (not verified)

Nice post like it so much.

Sat, 2012-09-15 13:15 — yazminmegan (not verified)

Thank you for another magnificent post. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I'm on the look for such info ..!

Sun, 2012-08-19 10:44 — Johhny Perri (not verified)

very nice postThank you!

Tue, 2012-07-24 15:55 — Poloshirts (not verified)

That totally will be longchamp bags Unusual metal stress accouterments and additionally hiding bolt tie, while longchamp outlet perfect presently there capacity become drawstring asylum with primary in addition to longchamp le pliage publication about within.

Wed, 2012-07-25 04:55 — fashionweekinn (not verified)

Thanks for sharing this useful information! Hope that you will continue with fashionweekinn

Mon, 2012-07-23 09:31 — caring plan (not verified)

Then tell them what word, praise, or slogan you want to be debossed, embossed, or imprinted onto the bracelets. caring plan

Mon, 2012-07-23 07:54 — michael kors outlet (not verified)

Thank the authors share, let us know a lot of truth, feeling a lot of people on philosophy, realize the true meaning of life, understand the meaning of life. I'm looking forward to better articles, I will often focus on.[url=http://www.michaelkorshandbagsoutlet.ca/]michael kors outlet[/url].michael kors outlet

Mon, 2012-07-23 03:11 — Pandora 2011 (not verified)

Ich mag lesen Ihre Post Sir. Ich fühle, dass ich ein Sachverst?ndigen auf diesem Gebiet zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt zu werden. Vielen Dank für die mir die dringend ben?tigte Inspiration.
Chanel 2012

Taschen von Chanel

Sat, 2012-07-21 10:50 — burberry outlet (not verified)

Too good, can run into so good article is really my lucky ah. The theme and life are interlinked, the thought state is very high, words very decent proper, can let the reader feeling some truth. Continue to pay attention to this article, I think is worth doing.burberry outlet

Fri, 2012-07-20 21:04 — kulver (not verified)

wofxhony

Thu, 2012-07-19 12:09 — clinic4health (not verified)

Spoof kings Eason with since this pair of beautiful wings shoes, but also highlighted his own style. Zapatillas Puma New Read so many star wings shoes fanatical pursuit o a
clinic4health

Tue, 2012-07-17 09:38 — jasmine11

Post is nicely written and it contains many good things for me. I am glad to ﬁnd your impressive way of writing the post. Now it become easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thanks for sharing the post. afashion trends

Thu, 2012-07-19 09:31 — styleofyou (not verified)

reat blog. Its hard seeing a loved one struggling with addiction. The first step to recovery is getting help and there are rehab clinics that really do help. Riverview Manor is one and I made a full recovery witht he help of professionals there. Get help and take your life back styleofyou

Mon, 2012-07-16 05:27 — natural bioidentical hormone (not verified)

This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I thik that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things.hormone replacement therapy

Sun, 2012-07-15 06:35 — jomila (not verified)

If possible, as you gain information, please update this blog with more information. I have found it really useful.hutoftech

Sun, 2012-07-15 04:27 — Nkkk (not verified)

offered in two-tone brown and beige, or white version much more eccentric and the house provides an exclusive shoe stretchers along the rosewood box and a 4 gb usb stick wrapped in sa how to buy business

Sat, 2012-07-14 14:13 — jaffa (not verified)

Wed, 2012-07-11 07:52 — koline (not verified)

Wow, it is so nice and interesting blog. I like it so much
e-commerce

Wed, 2012-07-11 07:20 — alima (not verified)

Thanks for published and really good thought for popular your website.nice collection of gathering information.thanks
customer care

Tue, 2012-07-10 11:11 — shan jack (not verified)

The evolution of the hat in China
The hat was invented a NBA caps long time ago in China. Such as the Chinese idiom "dressed", "sounding", "Crown", "crown" refers to the hat.
The ancient crown system is an important component of China's clothing system, the men's 20-year-old started wearing the crown, wearing the crown, to be held in the "Rites", said adult.
China in ancient times the crown is different from 59Fifty Fitted caps the hat now, it is only a narrow crown beam to cover part of the head, unlike the hat to cover all.
Crown after being elected, the Crown has graded on a scale of equal status, humble undocumented people are not allowed to wear the crown. Dynasty crowns, crown system over previous generations have.
Han 47 Brand Snapback Hats Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), its form in general has been with the cap-style class. The crown had with a veil with the humble can only wear a veil, minors can only wear the veil of the empty top. Crown system has been affected to the Ming Dynasty.
Ming Dynasty (1368 AD - 1644 AD) in the public service but also his job. "Crown" earlier than the "crown", generally refers to the feudal emperors special "crown" plus "crown" when the prince to ascend the throne. Workers can only wear the hijab, used to wipe the sweat, and later as a hat wrapped head.
Chinese hat has its own national characteristics, more than wearing a fur hat in ancient times, Liao and Jin, Yuan more than wearing a helmet type and hat, flower hat, Tu baseball hats of the hat of the Uighur, Mongolian fox fur hat. Daily life, hats, warm cold, the role of decorative dress.

Mon, 2012-07-09 09:44 — Pandora 2011 (not verified)

Pandora Clips

Sat, 2012-07-07 12:51 — العاب (not verified)

Thank you Very much

العاب العاب تنظيف المنزل لعبة الجني الازرق لعبة السمكة العاب طبيب لعبة البيرة العاب تنظيف الوجه لعبة الفراخ العاب تسوق العاب ركن السيارات

Fri, 2012-07-06 12:36 — vslcwdom (not verified)

mssxzt

Fri, 2012-07-06 11:32 — fcdzinl (not verified)

eeakksns

Thu, 2012-07-05 05:39 — mandesejohn (not verified)

This is a really super post. Must admit that you are amid the best writer I have read. Thanks for posting this article. I am interested in this topic and would like to find out more information as my friend need knowledge on this topic. Have you any other articles about this??
flowers in columbus ohio

Wed, 2012-07-04 09:07 — David Otanga (not verified)

The outcome capacitor is an electrolytic kind because electrolytic capacitors have very great capacitance per device amount. We have a very lightweight style with no electrolytic capacitors in a place where end-of-life causes a disastrous light failing.
harley davidson jackets

Mon, 2012-07-02 06:45 — qysoyk (not verified)

qosshf

Mon, 2012-07-02 00:26 — kgxttzcb (not verified)

scidofm

Sat, 2012-06-30 12:22 — sherlin (not verified)

Wow, it is so nice and interesting blog. I like it so much

care health center

Sat, 2012-06-30 12:21 — carlosdavid (not verified)

Thank you for taking the time to talk about this, I feel fervently about it and I enjoy learning about this topic.

north shore appliances | home appliances repair services

Sat, 2012-06-23 10:34 — rosinajames (not verified)

I loved these post.Thanks for sharing this informative post...pc repair services

Wed, 2012-06-20 11:10 — rosina (not verified)

Great info. I love all the posts, I really enjoyed, I would like more information about this, because it is very nice., Thanks for sharing..offsite computer backup

Tue, 2012-06-19 11:12 — johnlevis (not verified)

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks For Sharing it. denver colorado flower shops

Sat, 2012-05-26 17:00 — wine (not verified)

Thanks Sir, it’s better now. I used it on one of my newest projects and i love it. Thanks. barricas
, Vintønde
weinfass. ekfat
wine barrel

Sat, 2012-05-05 01:33 — TN Pas Cher (not verified)

Nike TN
Nike Tn Pas Cher
Nike TN
Nike Tn Pas Cher
TN Pas Cher
Nike tn 2011
Tn foot locker

TN Requin
TN Pas Cher
Nike TN
Nike air max
TN REQUIN
Puma Pas Cher
TN Pas Cher Nike tn 2012 tn foot locker

TN REQUIN
Nike TN
Nike Requin
Chaussure Requin
Air Max Requin TN Pas Cher Puma Pas Cher

Wed, 2012-04-18 13:14 — M. E. (not verified)

I think we need to realize that "center left" is not the solution, we need the real left, not a party for the ruling class in disguise.

Tue, 2012-04-17 13:37 — True Social Democrat (not verified)

It would help if European so-called social democrats like politicians of the Labour party, PS and SPD actually acted like social democrats, and protected the social state and vulnerable citizens, rather than selling the same neoliberal poison as conservatives in differently branded bottles.

Tue, 2012-04-17 13:32 — Will Podmore (not verified)

Four legs bad! If Policy Network's pamphlet 'draws together' all these legs, it will hogtie itself!
If legs could be vacuous, these must be the acme of vacuity.
And "social democracy still has to find its way" - after 100 years of failure, 100 years of succumbing to capitalism, it is still a 'project in the making'. Such a lot of use then!
The only solid thought appears to be opposition to 'centralised bureaucracy', code for any form of planning. So thank you Policy Network, you line up with the Coalition and Labour in opposing any solution to this crisis.