Written by Nikos Chircop
Given the fact that we are in the midst of pandemic- the crises with COVID-19 cases, vaccine supply, and the economic fallout, it may be difficult to imagine the 2020s as anything but a decade of post-pandemic stagnation for the West. But there is plenty of pinnacle events going on around the world and actions to be taken that prove otherwise!
If we take a quick glance at the sentiments rumbling from the American election results and ground breaking American Rescue Plan. Or on our side of the pond with the European Green Deal, the launching of a new Conference on the Future of Europe, not to mention the strong performance of progressive voices in the German lander elections in the Rhineland, and Baden-Württemberg. The twenties have the potential to be a decade of immeasurable progress characterised by a new consensus of social wellbeing with an environmentalist core.
Post-Pandemic Interventions
If the pandemic has not thought us anything, it has proven the fact that when push comes to shove it was not ‘free’ market that prevented what could have been the most cataclysmic plunge in living standards, but determined, decisive government intervention that cushioned and protected citizens from the brunt of the virus’ fallout. Had we left things to the ‘invisible hand’ so many people would have died in a way John Maynard Keynes would have never foreseen at the time of his writing. We have come to a point where even the British Tory Government has scrapped the Cameron era reforms of the National Health Service, in favour of direct accountability for political representatives.
In recognition of government’s key role in the coordination and spearheading of societal goals and the maintenance and strengthening of human security, the time is now for citizens to engage and pressure government to wield its power for the benefit of all. If we can create not just one, but a number of different vaccines in less than a year, then look what we can do to fight climate change! Determined, accountable government can spearhead efforts with its partners in academia, civil society, and the private sector to reboot the system that works; liberal democracy – with heightened personal liberty, and bolstered democracy.
For a Greener Future
To live in liberty means to have the right to a voice through direct channels of expression and to be truly represented through systems of proportional representation. But these grander goals are frivolous without having the right to a dignified life; a roof over your head, a welfare system that makes plight impossible, the right to breath clean air and live in a pleasant green community. This societal mission is not one that can just be financed by post-pandemic stimulus promised to date, but can indeed be possible with the fruits of the determined mission towards building a robust green economy. A green economy which will give businesses unprecedented space for growth and innovation to reach carbon neutrality. Not to mention the end of an unpredictable energy market thanks to the eventual ushering in of an era of stable, consistent, renewable energy generation and storage.
Conference on the Future of Europe
On the 5th of March, the Council of Ministers declared that the Conference on the Future of Europe will soon be commencing. They claim that it shall be “a citizens-focused, bottom-up exercise for Europeans to have their say on what they expect from the European Union”. It is up to us to make sure that that pledge is kept. It is up to us to aspire for a society that truly offers dignity for all. To offer a fighting chance for every child in the Union to live a life in pursuit of their own happiness, in spite of their socio-economic circumstance. We can be the makers of the Roaring Twenties in a United Europe.
Here’s another piece by JEF’S Nikos Chircop!
