What is the Socialistisk Folkeparti?

Socialistisk Folkeparti (the Socialist People's Party), in short called SF, is a Danish Socialist Party, which unites Red and Green perspectives and a democratic outlook. It was founded in 1959, and has constantly fought to defend human rights, politically and socially, and to pave the road to democratic-Socialist changes, this both in Denmark and abroad.

SF strives to establish Socialist changes in society to secure more economic, social and political equality and justice, and to fight neo-liberalism and a world dominated by capital. SF is convinced that another world is possible.

Democracy and welfare in focus

To SF, there can be no real Socialism without democracy. So, we find that democracy, democratic rights and guarantees for minorities are absolutely indispensable. All changes must be based on the free formation of parties, free elections and a free debate.

At present SF has 11 members of the Danish parliament (Folketinget) and one member of the European Parliament. Together with app. 236 elected representatives in local town councils and 21 representatives in Denmark's fourteen councils they are involved in day-to-day activities promoting these aims.

Neither the every day activities of SF nor the strategic battles can be carried out solely on a parliamentary platform.

We find it extremely important to participate in, and be inspired from, the grass-roots movements - for example the trade unions, tenants' organisations, human rights organisations, feminist, environmental and consumer networks etc.

The breaking down of walls between people

SF interests go beyond the borders of Denmark and Europe, and we believe in a globalisation in solidarity.

SF has throughout its history protested against acts of suppression. For instance the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the US war in Vietnam and the US war by proxy against Nicaragua in the 1980s. Latest the world has faced a brutal suppression of Chechnya. At a very early stage SF supported a two-states-solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SF warmly welcomed the liberation from the fetters of suppression that took place in 1989-91 in Central and Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.

In present time we strongly welcome the enlargement of the European Union and regard the EU as a “political battlefield”, even though more transparency and democracy in the EU are clearly needed.

In some post-communist parts of Europe, excessive nationalism has led to wars and terrible bloodshed in the last ten years. Recognising the nations' right to self-determination, SF at the same time categorically condemns all nationalist excesses, which are contrary to human rights, lead to terrible massacres and endanger peace. SF at present cooperates with democratic grass roots forces in countries like Russia and Yugoslavia in their protest against nationalism.¨

Another struggle of vital importance to SF is the fight against the upsurge of excessive nationalism and xenophobia. The latter is seen in our own country, too, and SF devotes much strength to protecting the human rights of immigrants and refuges and to speaking against xenophobic and semi-fascist propaganda.

Wanted: Global thinking

More than ever, a new economic world order, based on solidarity, is needed.

We find it necessary to counter the unequal distribution of riches between different parts of the world and the control of resources exercised especially by power elites in the Western World, but also by the upper class of some Third World countries.

The behaviour of the rich industrial centres has led to a dramatic growth of inequality - a mass poverty and injustice among three fifths of the world's population.

SF firmly believes that the aid from the developed countries to the developing countries should increase, and the principle of free and fair trade must be the guideline of the WTO. Furthermore the WTO must not supersede the existing agreements on environment and labour conditions. In the framework of the WTO, progressive labour and environmental minimum rules must be established, but in such a way that the rich countries cannot exploit the rules to uphold monopolies.

The rich world must transfer means to the poor world, following the UN request to render at least one per cent of the gross national product as aid to the developing countries. The fight against poverty and the promotion of social-educational programmes, green measures and a better distribution of resources in the countries receiving aid must have a higher priority than business interests. In fighting poverty special attention must be given to a strengthening of the position of women. Basic, human rights, like freedom of speech and observance of personal dignity, are so important that the observation of them must be a central part of any future policy.

Repression, poverty and civil wars are still facts of life to many people worldwide. SF is committed to support the fight for democracy, human rights and national self-determination for the nations, including the indigenous peoples all over the world.

Contacts:

Socialist Peoples Party (SF)
Christiansborg
1240 København K
Denmark
E-mail: international@sf.dk
Website: www.sf.dk
Fax: +45 33 32 72 48
Phone: +45 33 37 44 44

>> Presentation of the SF MEP Margrete Auken in the European Parliament

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