Rotterdam 2014
North America
Liberal International welcomes the set of socio-economic policies proposed by the new Liberal leader of Canada Justin Trudeau. Recalling the progress and development that Canada has achieved under the previous Liberal cabinets, Congress expresses hope that the people in Canada will support the new leadership of LPC to form a stable government in the wake of the 2015 general elections.
Latin America
LI applauds the positive developments in Brazil´s fight against impunity as well as the growing independence of its justice system. LI expresses solidarity with the peaceful demonstrations in Brazil which started in 2013 calling for a more efficient public administration and better quality of public services, particularly transport, education and health care. Congress takes notes that the negative position of left-wing governments in Mercosur has blocked further trade liberalization, e.g. between Mercosur and the EU, at the expense of Brazil. LI stresses that sustainable growth and development in Brazil can be achieved only through urgently needed reforms, particularly in the fields of tax, labour, social security and education.
LI welcomes the debate for a new democratically written Constitution of Chile, leaving behind forever the 1980’s Constitution designed by the dictator Augusto Pinochet. LI recommends a Constitution with fair balance between a competitive economy that is open to the world, individual rights, and public policies devoted to equality. Chile is a good example that has shown consistent growth in the past three decades, but needs to improve its public education and the equal access to opportunities.
Liberal International welcomes the policies of the Colombian government led by Partido de la U and President Santos, which opened the economy leading to unprecedented economic growth, addressed difficult themes from the past conflicts and gave impetus to the peace talks. Colombia is setting a good example for the other countries in the region that liberalism in Latin America gives good results.
Congress welcomes the small steps undertaken by the Cuban regime to open the economy and the freedom of travel. At the same time, Liberal International warns that while there is an impression that the conditions are improving, the communist regime holds the Cuban citizens far from freedom, democracy and private property. The Cuban regime continues to restrict all political freedom as well as freedom of speech and human rights are regularly violated. The Congress emphasizes that the decision to liberalize Cuba is for the regime to take. The blockade that the United States enforces may or may not influence the situation, but the responsibility to end oppression lies with the Castro government. All trade-negotiations with the regime must include discussions and demands for political freedom and respect for human rights.
Liberal International supports the initiative proposed by Guatemala’s President Otto Pérez Molina to review and change the public actions related to fight against drug cartels. Latin American countries, especially Mexico, the countries of Central America and Colombia, have spent millions of dollars in a useless fight that for more than fifty years has yielded no success, but merely death and fear to its people. Liberal International welcomes the new view-points to address this issue, as those that are taken by Uruguay and are currently debated in México. This approach enjoys support from several Latin American leaders.
Liberal International is concerned by the climate of violence that exists in Mexico endangering the freedoms and fundamental rights of the citizens. Liberal International calls on the authorities to double their efforts to end the escalating violence, and to pay special attention to the cases of murders and disappearances of journalists that threaten freedom of speech and press. Liberal International welcomes the recently adopted structural reforms that will provide for a more robust and competitive economy. At the same time, LI calls on all social, economic and political forces to pursue inclusive dialogue aimed at sustainability, use of clean energy and responsible management of natural resources. Liberal International is concerned that the recent electoral and political reform may undermine participation and representation of minority groups, thus undermining political pluralism.
Liberal International is deeply concerned about a constitutional amendment in Nicaragua, which passed the Congress in January 2014. The amendment permitting infinite re-election of the head of state, paves the way for a fourth term of Sandinista President, Daniel Ortega, in 2016. After his unconstitutional re-election in 2011, this abuse of the legislative power can only be perceived as a miserable attempt to legitimise the further erosion of democracy in Nicaragua.
Liberal International welcomes the achievements of Panama over the last years in democratic stability and economic progress. Congress notes the bold decision of the authorities to engage in crucial projects that will benefit primarily the people of Panama, but also set better conditions for global trade and development. At the same time, the Congress expresses serious concern ahead of the elections that corruption allegations-as in the case of Vice President Varella- can jeopardize the prospects for continuous progress. This Congress is alarmed by the document “Compromiso Nacional Por La Vida Y Ca Familia” as it discriminates against minorities and people with different orientation and lifestyle. LI believes that Panama’s prosperity can only be guaranteed by individual freedom and civil liberties.
Liberal International welcomes the enormous economic growth of 13% that Paraguay enjoyed in the last year, mainly based on the liberal reforms introduced by the interim liberal administration. We hope that these economic figures will continue in the future to the benefit of all Paraguayan citizens. At the same time, Liberal International is concerned about the labour persecution against officials who do not belong to the party of the current government, principally those officers belonging to the PLRA. The layoffs made by the current government indicate clear labour discrimination based on political affiliation. We ask the Paraguayan authorities to immediately cease these massive layoffs in the public service.
LI is particularly concerned about the situation in Venezuela with the recent violent clashes in which peaceful protestors have lost their lives. LI calls on the Venezuelan government to restore democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression and to lift the restrictions on business activities. LI fully supports the democratic opposition of Venezuela in its peaceful and united efforts to restore a democratic system that guarantees civil and property rights for all and allows for economic recovery.
