The Peoples’ Business: How cooperatives and mutuals can contribute to the policy agenda of European Progressives

Next Seminar 

Sofia – 11th-12th January 2016

With Institute for Social Integration

Context

Much of the disillusionment with politics that is shared across the European Union stems from our politicians’ inability to propose economic and political systems that work for ordinary people, rather than the vested interests of business, the wealthy and the powerful.

Across the E.U., social democrats too often appear to offer only an alternative management, albeit a kinder one, of the same economic systems that are seen to have failed.  The only radical alternatives being discussed are throw-backs to an equally discredited state-controlled past.

We need to find a policy narrative that connects with and inspires voters by aligning the recognisable social democratic political values of fairness and democracy with a new political plan for organising our economy and society. 

Social democrats should be in favour of businesses that:

•        Work in the interests of their customers
•        Share widely the rewards of enterprise
•        Actively engage and involve their workers