EU projects finds racism related to poor working conditions
A Europe-wide survey has found that the increasing popularity of right-wing and extremist parties is due to the perceived degradation of socio-economic changes and employment conditions among European workers. The SIREN project, funded under the European Commission's 'Improving Human Research Potential and the Socio-Economic Knowledge Base' sub-section of the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5) was presented during a workshop on xenophobia and racism that took place in Brussels on 24 May. SIREN, which conducted interviews in eight European countries, found that over the past five years, European workers have been feeling increasingly frustrated over their working conditions. They complained about a decrease in job security, mounting stress levels and incessant competition, uncertain employment and low income. Those factors have lead to people feeling more and more receptive to xenophobia, racism, populism and right wing parties. The study also found that those who have benefited from the changing conditions, the so called 'modernisation winners', were increasingly developing 'an aggressively competitive political stance' as well. Albeit for different reasons, the survey found that these people were just as sympathetic to the message of the extreme right. The report, therefore, urges European leaders to realise the Lisbon agenda in order to 'help address the roots of far-right extremism.' 'Right-wing populism and xenophobia threaten the very foundations of Europe, whose richness lies in diversity and tolerance,' explained European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. 'But a simple condemnation of racist or intolerant political movements is not enough: we have to understand the origins of the malaise. EU research demonstrates that when faced with low working standards, job insecurity and an overall deterioration of quality of life, some people are attracted by far-right sirens. Creating more and better jobs, realising the Lisbon agenda in its entirety is vital'.' The restructuring of the private and public sector has left European workers, and especially older workers, with higher levels of job insecurity and poor working conditions that in the past. Dissatisfaction with this situation has led to increasing electoral support for extremist parties. 'Cuts in welfare spending and fewer social protection mechanisms have also led to perceptions of greater social insecurity. Precarious employment and living situations also contribute to people feeling powerless, unable to plan for the future and more susceptible to extremist parties. Increased job competition, losses and stress in a deteriorating work climate also lead to people feeling a sense of injustice,' explained the European Commission. The workshop was organised with the aim of finding solutions to the problems raised by the SIREN project, namely, 'workers' perception of political powerlessness and politicians' perceived lack of interest in the workers' world.' It was agreed that the current crisis of representation at both national and European level must be tackled urgently.
