The Labour Party’s European election manifesto has warned of “extremists” who will “undermine press freedom” and “social cohesion” if elected.
“The rise of the far-right in Europe is a threat to the European project…” the party said, describing this as a “poison for democracy.”
“Where extremists have attained power, they take away workers’ rights, including the right to strike; they undermine press freedom and the rule of law; they attack women’s rights and try to cancel LGBTQI+ rights. They apply authoritarian, autocratic means to undermine freedom and democracy,” the party said.
“They feed off conspiracy theories, and exploit fears about migration to divide society. The economic measures favoured by the right have had a terrible impact on social cohesion and democratic stability.”
Party leader Ivana Bacik said that “Ireland cannot afford to allow the right to become the dominant force across Europe,” adding that the party’s “European priorities” include “fighting the far right”.
“We know all too well that these conservative and reactionary forces do not have what it takes to address the issues that affect us all in our daily lives,” she said.
“…If you want a just transition for a sustainable economy, an EU plan for affordable housing, MEPs who stand firm against the far right, and European solidarity with the people of Gaza and Ukraine, then I’m asking you to vote for Aodhán Ó Riordain in Dublin, Niamh Hourigan in Ireland South and Fergal Landy in Midlands North West.”
By way of policy, the party’s manifesto outlines plans to crack down on “disinformation”, “hate speech”, “online violence” and “cyber violence”.
The policy document, which was released this week, says that at a European-wide level, “hate crime legislation” should be expanded to “to adequately cover sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.”
The party says that one of its priorities is “a Feminist Europe” where “gender budgeting” is included in “all European policies and governance.”
They also seek to “ensure the [European] Commission is gender balanced by having each country propose a male and female nominee and develop a new post of a Commissioner for Women.”
“At every level, women must be equal participants in decision-making, negotiations, and solutions…The fight for gender equality must be reflected in all policies and budgets,” the party says, adding that abortion should be added to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
In addition to this, they propose implementing an “LGBTI Equality Strategy”.
On the immigration front, the party will seek to “save lives in the Mediterranean and at external borders, with the reintroduction of an EU search and rescue mechanism.” They will also seek to “Ensure the Pact on Migration and Asylum is implemented to the highest possible human rights standards.”
Moreover, the party has outlined plans for a future pandemic response in the context of health.
“Covid-19 showed the essential contribution of the EU to ensuring access to medicines and equipment,” the manifesto reads.
“Health must be a priority of the next European Parliament and Commission work programme.
“…We want a European Health Union to manage future pandemic responses, protect universal access to care and treatment, and to support and defend public healthcare at a national level.”
The full 22-page manifesto can be read here.