European Alternatives

Discussion on the future of Europe, especially Greece and Spain. Is there a possibility of progressive change as EU policy on the economic crisis becomes more open to contestation, and it is recognised that their responses are political rather than technical? Syriza is an example of a new kind of left party that has been able to make a great challenge to the European consensus and Podemos is building a similar model of a politics of radical populism – through emphasising an antagonism between the people and the elite. In both Greece and Spain there has been a great renewal of popular politics. The role of unions across Europe is also discussed, and need to make allainces between political parties, social movements and trade unions.