Co-determination
Statement of Principles and Action
Programme
The Norwegian Labour party
Social Democracy's Basic Values
| Freedom, equality
and solidarity are the main principles
underlying the basic social democratic values. These
values underlie our analysis of the society and the
formulation of our practical policy. These values cannot
be realised once and for all. Achieving them will be a
continual process. |
"The Labour Party has a vision of a just world without poverty, in peace and ecological balance, where the people are free and equal and have influence on the conditions affecting their lives" |
| We live in a time of great
opportunities and great dangers. Environmental problems,
poverty and weapons of mass extermination threaten
current and future generations. At the same time new
technology and new information create opportunities for a
positive development. Social democracy regards it as its
foremost task to take advantage of these opportunities to
create a secure future. In today's complex, modern society we are all dependent on each other. We achieve more by making joint decisions. That is why political government and human activity must be based on co-determination. This entails that we must all take our fair share of responsibility, and commit ourselves to co-operating with others in order to create a secure world and society. By making decisions jointly and using each other's resources for the common good, we achieve more than if each individual only pursues his or her own narrow interests. We want the government of the nation to be based on joint consultation. The government and private business must work together to achieve a sustainable production. It is necessary to have both a market economy and a certain amount of political control. Capital and labour must work together in the struggle to achieve full employment and more human jobs. At the international level the right of each nation to self-determination must be complemented by nations co-determination on problems that they can only solve jointly. The strongest is not the one who stands alone, but the one who acknowledges that we are dependent on others - and who recognises the fundamental value of our all being equal. We must improve our local, national and international ability to consult with, respect and learn from each other. Only by developing joint consultation as an increasingly advanced form of interaction and co-operation can we arouse a greater community spirit and willingness to pull together. We appeal to all people to reject egotism, and to take responsibility instead for seeing that the planet's resources are used and distributed in such a way that it becomes possible to create a good life for everyone. equality Equality all people are unique and equal. Hence we should all have the same opportunities for human growth and development. Equality requires that different opinions, philosophies of life and cultures be met with tolerance and mutual respect on the basis of universal human rights. No one should be subjected to discrimination. Equality does not mean that everyone should be the same. Based on his or her qualifications, each individual should have the right to develop his or her abilities. This lays the foundation for a society distinguished by its diversity. To ensure everyone equal opportunity, it is necessary to have a fair distribution of resources and a strong society that provides economic and social security. At the same time, individual freedom is a necessary condition for a strong society. In this sense the individual and the society are mutually dependent on each other. Freedom everyone should have freedom to develop and freedom from repression. Each individual should have an opportunity to unfetter his or her enthusiasm and creative powers. Since we are all equal, no one has the right to use his or her freedom to limit the freedom of others. Our fellow human beings must not be reduced to a means of achieving others ends. Each of us has his or her own inviolable will and dignity. Individual freedom must be seen in relation to the rights of others. If not, then freedom and opportunities are restricted for everyone. By working together with others, solutions can be found that reconcile the interests of individuals with those of the society. Freedom is a necessary condition for democracy. In fellowship with others each person should control his own everyday life and the development of the society. The right to vote and the freedoms of thought, religion, speech and assembly are necessary conditions for ensuring everyone the right to participate when decisions are to be made. Real democracy also requires social equality and justice. Solidarity solidarity is the willingness to divide resources in such a way that people attain freedom and equality. Everyone should perform according to their ability, and the resources should be divided so that those who start out with least are given a boost. Solidarity is also the ability and willingness to take responsibility for each other. Common goals are best achieved through joint efforts. All people are dependent on each other and on the society. Hence, a society based on joint responsibility and a fair distribution of resources is in everyone's self-interest. Solidarity should cut across all social groups and boundaries and include future generations as well as the present ones. Consideration for nature and the distribution of resources make demands on the individual and set limits on his or her development. No one has the right to reap resources in such a way that it will prevent future generations from meeting their needs. |
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