Asbjørn Wahl Director, Trade Union Adviser Breaking with current policies and developments 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

This is what I will talk about We face a multiplicity of crises Our understanding of the economic crisis The character of the real existing EU The political and ideological crisis in the trade union and labour movement – and the left Some points on the Greek defeat? Elements to an alternative way forward 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

A multiplicity of crises The crises have many of the same root causes Give us opportunity to build broad coalitions Not right or wrong, it’s an interest-based struggle Our main aim is to shift the balance of power This is about policy as well as agency Need to overcome the political/ideological crisis 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Our understanding of the crisis Neo-liberalism is not the cause of the crisis The internal contradictions in capitalism led to the crisis – so it is a systemic crisis The crisis created the need for neo-liberal ideology The neo-liberal ideology won easily hegemony – also due to lack of resistance from labour “Globalisation” is a strategy – not a law of nature 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Has austerity been a failure? Many criticise the austerity policies for being a failure in fighting the economic crisis However, the aim of this policy is not to regain economic growth and create jobs The policy is carried out in order to abolish the welfare state and defeat the trade unions The elites use the crisis as an excuse for doing what they did not achieve through the Lisbon strategy etc., but now with shock therapy 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

The character of the EU Constitutionalised/institutionalised neo-liberalism – socialism and Keynesianism is banned by law An undemocratic and increasingly authoritarian supra-national state apparatus is emerging Big business / big finance are in the lead Can hardly be changed from within through ordinary use of democratic measures There are many structural barriers which prevent simultaneous mobilisation across Europe 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

The EU as a barrier An enormous democratic deficit Neoliberalism both constitutionalised and insti- tutionalised as the economic system of Europe The legislation system is almost irreversible The euro as an Economic Straitjacket Lack of simultaneousness in decision-making Extended role of the European Court of Justice 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Democratise from within? The “peace project” EU currently represents the greatest threat to Europe’s unity – so far not on a national, but on a social, basis The illusions of EU as the incarnation of “Social Europe” and the guarantor of peace in Europe is finally about to break down on the political left To break down the neoliberal EU institutions is a precondition if we want to build a social Europe In order to achieve that, it can be necessary for single or groups of countries to break with the EU 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

The political crisis on the left The break-down of the “communist” world A comprehensive weakening of the working class Dominated by the social partnership ideology Depoliticised and deradicalised – including social democracy’s change of character Taken by surprise by the neo-liberal offensive Has underestimated the strength of capitalism – but has nurtured lots of illusions about the EU The left in government has been a failure 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Points on the Greek defeat Forget everything about traitors – but accept a hard discussion on failures and disagreements Syriza was a young and inexperienced party which was neither prepared nor democratic Underestimated the power and brutality which our adversaries were willing to use The balance of power was unfavoruable, but this should not be used as an excuse for everything Rather than to stay in power(lessness) and administer the austerity policy, why didn’t the Syriza government resign after the surrender? 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Elements to an alternative - 1 The crises give opportunities to build resistance A formidable social mobilisation is necessary Build power and mobilisation from below Politicise the discontent and organise the fight Unify anti-austerity and climate change struggle Need policies, strategies – but also agency; the working class still represents the greatest potential We have to radicalise our message and develop the struggle to match our adversaries 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Elements to an alternative - 2 Changes of class formations lately underline need for community-based organising Socialisation, communalisation, democratisation – and a radical redistribution of wealth Alternatives will have to go beyond Keynesianism – ownership and democratic control are key A minimum programme – in combination with a vision of an alternative, united Europe Only in transitional periods should left parties join (popular front) coalition governments 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

A minimum programme Fight austerity – defend our public services! Redistribute our wealth – let the rich pay! Cancel public debt created by the financial crisis! Socialise banks and financial institutions! Defend democracy – break with trade & fiscal pacts! Unify the environmental with the social struggle! Organise, mobilise and meet the confrontations! 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark

Elements to an alternative - 2 Changes of class formations lately underline need for community-based organising Socialisation, communalisation, democratisation – and a radical redistribution of wealth Alternatives will have to go beyond Keynesianism – ownership and democratic control are key A minimum programme – in combination with a vision of an alternative, united Europe Only in transitional periods should left parties join (popular front) coalition governments 12 March 2016 Transform!Denmark London, June 2015