Green surge in Germany proves Greens have it right on the economy
A quick note to say a huge congratulations to my fellow Greens in Germany tonight. The German Greens increased their vote share significantly in today’s national election, surging up to 10.2% from 8.3% last time around. It looks like they will end up with 65 seats in the Bundestag– 15 more than they won in 2005. (Is it just me, or is “Bundestag” a really awesome word?)
What’s most exciting about this surge in support for the German Greens is that it occurred during an election campaign that was, in large part, about the economy. The German Greens’ campaign focused heavily on the Green New Deal, an comprehensive package of economic solutions designed to stimulate the economy while moving toward sustainable production and consumption patterns, and addressing the social, environmental and resource challenges we face. The European Greens first introduced the Green New Deal to the public during the European Parliament’s spring elections. How did the European Greens do? They also increased their popular vote and corresponding seat count by an impressive amount.
So, even though Germany and the European Union are in the midst of a major economic crisis, the Greens were still able to grow while campaigning on economic issues. The public perception is, at times, that the economy is not a Green forte, but this couldn’t be farther from reality. Greens have the strongest, most pragmatic and forward-thinking economic policies of any political party — in Europe, North America and elsewhere. And I think the German Greens’ spectacular results tonight prove the public is embracing the Green message that a strong and vibrant economy depends on a clean environment and a happy and healthy population.
Congratulations, German Greens!
I love the word, “Fussgängerzone” [pronounced -tsona]. It’s means “pedestrian zone.” Many European cities have kilometres of pedestrian zones that replace car traffic. Toronto has zero kilometres.
Make downtown Yonge Street into a pedestrian zone.
That’s a great idea. Or a bike/pedestrian zone. I almost got hit by a car while biking on Yonge today.
“the public is embracing the Green message that a strong and vibrant economy depends on a clean environment and a happy and healthy population.”
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/canada/2009/09/28/11158151-sun.html
Poll Question: Who’s best equipped to lead canada through the recession and recovery?
Harper 36%
Ignatieff 22%
Layton 13%
May 3%
Now John, I think we can infer that Camille meant the German public. Although Canadians in a similar economic funk are supporting the GPC at almost the same percentage rate, so perhaps the same is true here. Note she says “embracing”, as in a process, not a destination. Our polling support is higher then at the last election. The thesis that tough economic times need not diminish Green support is valid and supported by the German (and European) results and our own polling.
Also, posting a leadership poll isn’t so relevant. GPC leaders always poll below the general party support due to our lower visibility. What is more significant in assessing voter values is our party standing. The Green message is our platform, not our leader.
Of course, the public could fully agree that “a strong and vibrant economy depends on a clean environment and a happy and healthy population” but feel that the Conservatives, Liberals, or NDP are best positioned to foster a happy & healthy population.
The financial crisis of the past two years represents a lost opportunity for Greens.
If we had our wits about us, we would have been able to present an original new vision of a sustainable, crash-resistant, well-grounded economy. But the GPC under current leadership is inarticulate on economics and business. We’re just an environmental party..
My choice for GPC leader in 2010 is Jeff Rubin, former CIBC chief economist turned crusader:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/why-your-world-is-about-to-get-a-whole-lot-smaller-by-jeff-rubin/article1148668/
So recruit him for a leadership run, if he’s willing. The higher the calibre of our candidates, the better it is for everyone.
After all, if we draft a prominent figure from outside the party to become our leader, what could possibly go wrong?