A Middle Ground for the European Left

Europe is going through its most difficult period since the Great Depression and the Second World War. Growth rates for the Eurozone overall have been flat this year and were negative for most of last year; some countries have experienced several years of decline. Unemployment is sky high across the continent, especially among youth. Poverty and inequality are also increasing. As social welfare programs are cut, public health is beginning to suffer, with increases in everything from HIV infection rates to suicide The political scene in Europe is almost as bad as the economic one. Disillusionment with democracy is at record levels, leading to a rise in extra-parliamentary activity and the growth of extremism.