Internationale Konferenz in Lissabon

The Portuguese, European and World economies are facing a demanding period. Europe and the world lived the most serious economic crisis since the great depression. Jobs were lost, growth rates were negative, financial markets went into unprecedented turmoil around the globe.

All around the world, countries had to undertake serious measures to support citizens. Several social measures were taken to minor the impact of this serious economic crisis on people in Portugal and elsewhere.

However, today, several European countries are faced with rising public deficits and increase in debt levels and have to undertake a series of corrective measures. Some claim deficit levels need to return quickly below the 3% threshold. Others, such as the Director General of the IMF, say that countries need to continue with growth supportive measures. In between, financial markets volatility continues and a stronger financial markets regulation is yet to be accomplished.

All these issues raise challenges for socialist parties: how can we ensure a solid economic basis for the future, promote prosperity, equality and equity, make a more inclusive and fair society for all? How can we ensure that financial markets work alongside the real economy and that both mutually support each other? It is up to Socialists to give back hope to people.