Looking at the way, 2011 begins, in Europe, we could easily be depressed: unemployment is rising everywhere, even in Germany, where it is hidden by subsidies and misleading statistics; an unprecedented crisis of confidence in institutions; a presidency of the Union entrusted, without any protest, to a government that openly violates freedom of the press and artists. A European Central Bank which became autistic, for lack of anything better. A recession which settles in, in the impoverishment of the public services.
The result could be written in advance: Elections lost by all parties in power; their leaders, without any other benchmark but the polls, constantly searching for scapegoats, ready to give up any role as scout or guide, only thinking about saving their seats, following the most basic reflexes of indignation from those who appoint them, making increasingly xenophobic and demagogic speeches, to compete with extremist parties on their own ground.
Pessimism? Nonsense! Look at what is already taking place in Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, look how the political debate is evolving even in this country: many politicians, in power or in the opposition, said without shame during their greetings, on insecurity, immigration, Europe, the causes of the financial crisis or unemployment, words we thought were appropriate, until recently, only for the delusions of the National Front. And much of the media, print or broadcast, many comedians, entertainers, journalists, writers, do not realize that by playing the same music, they create the conditions for their own marginalization.
The only way to stop this drift is to put back the debate on its feet and demand from politicians that they fulfill their true mission, which is not to express the basic anguish of those who appoint them, but to proclaim lucidly the great assets of France (which is, by far, despite its shortcomings and injustices, the most promising nation of Europe, in the best position for the future), to give meaning to efforts by proposing a way, a project for 20 years, realistic and exciting.
Several projects are possible. At least three:
A liberal France, focusing on the release of all initiatives, the acceptance of all creative forces, and confidence in the talents of everyone. Blending the French genius with the Californian mind.
A social-democrat France, focusing on solidarity, supporting all those who are lagging behind, and fighting unemployment. Blending the French genius with the Swedish mind.
A fraternal France, highlighting gratuitousness and altruism, really changing the nature of production, massively reducing the need for natural resources. Blending the French genius and the mind of the world.
These projects and many others, are respectable. To be credible, they must be supported by realistic reform programs and fundable, which will be presented and discussed well before the presidential elections.
If the candidates in these elections do not reveal as quickly as possible such projects for the country, they should be denounced, in fact, with their arguments and their tiny ambitions, as serving, even if unintended, obscure projects where democracy will engulf.