26/10/2005 8:31:45 am
The Chirac-Persson Axis: The Threat to Europe′s Future. On my way to London to present my book "European Dawn - After the Social Model", I noticed that French President Jaqcues Chirac has published an article in a number of European dailies. In Sweden, the article is here, in Dagens Nyheter. Apparently, he wants to make a few points about the European future ahead of the EU Summit in Hampton Court tomorrow. So do I, but the message is the opposite.

Chirac′s article takes the shape of statements - not arguments - when it comes to principles. He writes that the European model is the "social market economy". From that, he goes on to draw some conclusions and make some recommendations. Not a single reform is mentioned, that would liberate the creative forces; entrepreneurs, working people, companies. Everything is about how the state should subsidise this or that - or even put more restrictions on the market economy.

This so-called right-wing President has everything in common with the Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson. They will both argue at the Summit to keep the Social Model of a big state and against any reforms. They have no visions and no principles - except to stay in power. This lack of leadership, with Mr Blair as the one exception, is a real threat to Europe′s future. We need politicians who see reality as it is and have the courage to propose and work for change when change - as now - is really needed.