Autonomy, solidarity, responsibility

Autonomy, Solidarity, Responsibility: these three concepts are essential for Green politics. This is what Alain Lipietz, Green MEP and economist, emphasised during the recent meeting of the Mediterranean Greens, which was held in Malta.

Mr Lipietz asked, "How can ecological values be combined with the economy?" This is where the three concepts come in.

Autonomy, both of producers and local communities who risk losing their common good to other interests is essential. In this regard, one should ask: Who is to decide on the methods and relations of production?

Solidarity refers to the political aim of equality. Nobody should be abandoned. Rather than blaming people for the social problems they face, one should look at the socio-economic context, which can actually be bringing about despair and inequality. A case in point is the immigration issue, which is definitely related to the north-south economic divide, uneven development and the poverty and oppression in certain countries.

Responsibility refers to the need to be accountable for the well-being of present and future generations. Ecological politics, sustainable lifestyles should form part of a vision which gives due importance to the long-term impact of decisions taken.

These three concepts can be used to analyse and tackle the social, economic and political issues of today. A case in point is patents.

Local communities in various parts of the world are being denied the common heritage which they inherited from their ancestors. Multinational corporations are expropriating heritage such as agricultural and medical discoveries by means of patents and are imposing agricultural methods such as that concerning GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) on farmers, who in turn, become dependent on products such as pesticides and fertilisers of the same corporations. This leads to a lack of autonomy and to increased exploitation, thus requiring solidarity and responsible politics which safeguards the interests of present and future generations.

The patents issue has also become very much pronounced in areas such as computer technology. In this regard, Mr Lipietz states that innovation should not become the private property of multinational corporations or similar institutions, but should be seen as forming part of the common good, for the benefit of present and future generations. At the same time, people who carry out innovations should be rewarded for their efforts.

Autonomy, Solidarity and Responsibility can serve as a guide for those who look forward to a society characterised by more social justice and ecological sustainability.

Green politics fits perfectly in this framework, especially since Green ideology combines its vision across time and space, giving equivalent importance to present and future generations across global, national, and local levels.

Goals such as equal rights for all individuals, socially just welfare systems, increased democracy, the strengthening of civil society and local communities in decisionmaking processes, and the introduction of worldwide labour and ecological standards form part of this vision.

A race to the bottom, abuses of human rights, including labour rights, and environmental destruction are not an option for the Greens. Instead, structural changes and reforms in the global economy, such as the removal of unjust subsidies on agro-industrial giants in the US and the EU are required. At the same time, the economy should be adapted to the tolerance of the natural environment made more competitive, sustainable and efficient by means of factors such as increased skills and renewable energy sources.

Malta has an important role to play in this regard. Our colonial past should help us be sensitive to the plight of the voiceless. Our position as a member of the EU with good relationships with Mediterranean neighbours gives us political clout to speak on the need to bring about globalised justice. Autonomy, Solidarity and Responsibility should enter our political vocabulary.

Michael Briguglio is a sociologist and Sliema councillor for Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party