The voter turnout of the referendum and the win of the Brexit camp is a big defeat for the United Kingdom, causing shock waves in the neoliberal financial policy implemented in Eurozone and the European Union. The result has to be respected by all of us, though it proves that both the UK and the EU are faced with a huge identity crisis. A new, democratic vision is more indispensable than ever before in order to avoid witnessing the surge in – and win of – racist, xenophobic parties.
The European establishment has to be rebuilt from scratch with progressive political forces at national and European level taking the lead. Europe needs a concrete growth-oriented model, equality and social justice, efficient convergence policies that would tackle the growing gap between the North and South peripheries. Unemployment and poverty, the disappointment of young people and the lack of transparency are amongst the major components of EU downfall.
The social and economic policies that have been implemented during the last years from conservative political forces are invigorating the appeal of far-right parties. The enthusiasm of Le Pen in France, the AfD leadership in Germany, Wilders in The Netherlands for the outcome of the referendum is the most eloquent proof that Europe is entering onto a dangerous path.
Acknowledging the wider spectrum of balances and the quest for alternative policies, it is certain that the Left has not so far managed to convince the European people, failing to articulate a strong alternative that would pull the EU out of the deep systemic crisis in which it is entrenched. Progressive forces like Syriza in Greece, Podemos in Spain or Sinn Fein in Ireland are not enough on their own to build a powerful front. It takes the more active participation and engagement of all Left political parties in all EU member states, along with those parts of social democracy that still resist the neoliberal doctrine, so that the political and economic balance of forces can be positively shifted.
The next months will be decisive for both the UK and the EU together. The Left has to set the political agenda, working for social and economic change in Europe. At the same time, the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn must be strongly supported by progressive forces in the EU to avoid being squeezed between the two poles consisting of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, both ready to impose illusionary solutions to the British electorate. The Left should stand firm, build wider alliances, be realistic and assume leading roles.
