“Initiative - Constructive policies”
Context
Over the past decade, the European, international and National political scene has experienced extreme polarization, significant changes in political communication and relationships with citizens and the rise of disinformation. Political disenfranchisement, various crises (economic, climate and health) and how governments have responded, have successively eroded citizens trust in politicians, who have increasingly resorted to unconventional and divisive rhetoric. At the same time, memberships of political parties and voter turnout have been declining. In order to reestablish trust in our democratic institutions and our elected representatives, and to be able to address the big issues the world and country is facing, there is a need to promote a democratic dialogue and political process that is more responsive to people’s needs and expectations of involvement and representation.
Furthermore in order to re-establish trust in our democratic institutions – the free press, Civil society, the parliaments and governments of representative democracies – there is a need to promote a democratic dialogue and political process that is more responsive to people’s needs and expectations of involvement and representation. The post-Trump, post-Brexit and post-pandemic and energy crisis era coincide in the ripest opportunity for countries to face the degrading nature of political dialogue; this will not only foster an inclusive and sustainable recovery but contribute in the very longer term to marking the turn in positive politics in North Macedonia.
Values
Constructive politics is rooted in our core values: integrity, solution-driven, science-based, accountability, non-partisan, humility, inclusion
We believe that politics should serve the community
In order to serve and represent our community, this is what constructive politicians stand for:
Long-term and advanced policy;
Participation and joint creation;
Interdisciplinary;
Autonomy
Transparency
Practical
Calm, positive, respectful communication;
Cross-party cooperation;
Conflict de-escalation;
Using tech as a force for good..
We believe that politicians should fight against problems, not each other
These are some of the essential skills needed to practice constructive politics:
listen to people; engage them in participatory policy making;
apply non-violent communication – even if you don’t agree;
apply non-violent communication – even if you don’t agree;
dare to be different, embracing autonomy;
invest in self-care, time-management and mental health – politicians are people, first;
be a positive voice on social media; use social media platforms to strengthen democracy, not undermine
it;
Build policies based on science and data;
Constructively engage with journalists;
be value-based leaders;
Engage in life-long-learning, informed by feedback and reflection.
We are not:
Overruling political differences – they lie at the heart of political debate and are at the center of
democracy.
Overruling political parties – we believe in reaching across the aisle.
Blaming anyone – we are in this together.
Partisan – anyone who shares our principles is welcome to join us.
Anti-tech – we believe tech can be a force for good..
An ideology – we are a platform for change.
Goals
Constructive Politics is a platform for change, arming new politicians with the tools they need to be constructive representatives, helping them to serve their community, work together to solve the big problems of today and tomorrow and ultimately: build back trust.
Constructive politics is initiative of Friend of Europe aiming to end the stalemate through its European Young Leader initiative, mobilizing the talents and unconventional political savvies of its network to explore how Europe can revitalize a constructive political dialogue. Engaging citizens, politicians and the media, the Constructive Politics programme aims to build back burnt bridges and end the blame game, fostering a rich discussion on how to reduce polarization and restore an arena for constructive dialogue.
Activities
1. Introductory session
Constructive Politics will be introduced to the public by the partners in March 2023. All the members of the working group will be invited to the 1 day training where all the basics and models of work will be presented and discussed. All materials for constructive policy will be translated with consent from Friend of Europe.
During the introductory session, members and partners will decide on the topic on which the working group will work.
2. Working Group on Constructive Policy
The first meeting of the working group will identify main challenges for representative democracy – seen from the point of view of their own profession – and the possible “constructive” paths forward. Later occurrences of this working group will work directly in development of national policy document of the selected issue (health,
education..).
The working group includes a carefully crafted selection of a minimum of 10 to 20 members of national parliamentarians (left, right, green and Albanian parties) or government representatives, civil society and media
representatives. They will work to identify the necessary reflections, approaches and skill set to guarantee constructive politics.
For those who will be selected we will organize four - 2 days sessions where experts on the topic will present the facts, experiences, and possible solutions. Politicians and civil society will work together on a final jointly agreed public policy proposal for the topic.
3. Promotion of the achievements
All the achievements will be kept in the final result document that will be developed and sheared with participants but also with the public.
Furthermore the group will work on public promotion of the method of work and experience.
