Since Brexit and Trump, international commentators have – much to the surprise of many in Germany – hailed Angela Merkel as the last progressive force to defend liberal values across the western world. While some might perceive her as a grand stateswoman, journalists across the channel were often left wondering where she really stands. For a long time, it was far from certain if she was to seek re-election in 2017.
I was intially quick to dismiss the thought of what Labour centrists could learn from Angela Merkel: what is there to learn from a conservative politician for a social democratic party? Whilst we all yearn for stability and security in times of uncertainty, I believe it is fundamentally wrong to take too much of an inspiration from those on the centre-right. We need to develop our own, fresh thinking and find progressive solutions to the problems we face.
But then I watched Angela Merkel’s speech to the Christian Democratic Union party conference and I noticed something remarkable.
Her speech centred around a positive vision for the future in which Germany was leading on shaping global trade, developing world-leading innovation and technology in the digital and renewable energy sector and, whilst she acknowledges the huge challenge the influx of nearly a million refugees presented to the country, she also underlined how proud the country should feel of its showing of solidarity with the people of Syria. Solidarity was a key theme for her speech – be it amongst European member states opposing a ‘cherry-picking’ Brexit deal for Britain, continued pressure on others to offer a safe home for their fair share of refugees, calling on large multinationals to pay taxes or emphasising the importance of a strengthened European defence within Nato.
Despite all the challenges Germany faces – a rising populist right wing party, discontent with the political status quo amongst those who feel left behind by globalisation and growing suspicions of refugees amongst the population, she managed to present a vision for a confident Germany, fit for the future.
For too long, the Labour party has been caught up in narrow discussions on niche topics whilst failing to offering any answers to the big questions we face. In the run-up to the 2015 general elections, Labour was unable to offer a compelling economic policy, let alone an overarching vision for the direction of the country. It couldn’t even shrug off allegations that Labour’s public spending had caused the financial crash. This, combined with an unpopular leadership figure and the Labour wipe-out in Scotland, led to crushing defeat. And Labour, both the hard left and moderates, is set to repeat the mistakes of the past. Look no further than Brexit and immigration. Nobody knows what Labour stands for. Politicians from across the spectrum contradict each other repeatedly in the media, and when asked on the doorstep in the recent Richmond Park byelection, I felt unable to advise the voters on what Labour wants to advocate for.
This does not mean that Merkel’s policies are perfect or a centrist Labour party should adopt them – far from it. Merkel is the same politician who has called for a burqa ban and opposes gay marriage because it makes her feel ‘uncomfortable’. But what the centrists can learn from her is to not be afraid to talk about the big issues of the future. We need to make a point in shaping what the future of Britain in a globalised world might look like and how new digital trends present both challenges, that have to be regulated and dealt with, as well as opportunities we have to harness for the benefit of all in society.
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Sabrina Huck is a London representative for Young Labour. She tweets at @Sabrina_Huck
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Photo: Bundesregierung
” Calling on large multinationals to pay their tax”. Really, after so many years in power? Look no one is falling for this guff anymore. Just look at America, warm words repeated by Hilary bla, bla. bla, only words to keep the masses off the scent. It will not do anymore. Talking about the big issues is not what people want they know what they are and they want them solving. The big issues are the Economy, Immigration and the NHS that’s the challenge. But first we need our MP’s to actually start to engage, stop sulking about left and right because this has gone on ever since Ed Miliband got elected never mind Jeremy Corbyn. Sort immigration by actually listening to what the vast majority of the people want, not what you think they should want in a perfect progressive world. Tackle tax dodging don’t just talk about it and then you may have an economic policy funded that you can talk about. That’s progressive not for ever repeating that you are in, or on the middle ground etc, its become tiresome now. No left, no right just what is just and right. Rant over.
We lost in 2015 because we were Tory-lite.
Have I read this article right? Is it proposing that a European Conservative leader is providing a way forward for the UK Left?
My grasp of the meaning of ‘Progressive’ has certainly received some education.
Really progress moves further and further to the right. I suppose when it sees Mr S Kinnock calling for punitive measures against immigrants and Ms Reeves reprising 1960 Tories as part of a moderate progressive centre then we know the words have become meaningless. these are right wing positions and Mrs Merkel is a right wing politician.