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Better future through better policies is in our hands: let us not allow it to slip down the hill into the realm of

populism, extremism and empty promises; let us listen to the aspirations of our people and devise meaningful,

visionary and long-term solutions. This is how we remain truly committed to democracy.

And I would, at last, on behalf of the Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development Committee,

express to the Lord of Dundee our congratulations and gratitude for his excelente work.

ANEXO B

Speech by Mr. Mendes Bota, vice-president of the Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development , on

the presentation of the report HANCOCK (doc. 13636), about “Social exclusion –a danger for Europe’s

democracies”

Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Brussels, 18th November 2014

Mme. President,

Dear Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen

In the absence of Mr Hancock who cannot attend the meeting, I have the pleasure to make the presentation

of his report on “Social exclusion – a danger for Europe’s democracies”

Social exclusion is a growing and serious danger for Europe’s democratic societies. Social exclusion is the

exclusion of certain people from participating fully in democratic and civil life, often by virtue of their poverty,

lack of basic competencies and lifelong learning opportunities, or as a result of discrimination.

Social exclusion has increased in recent years due to the impact of the financial crisis and austerity

measures applied by governments. Widespread consequences have been rising unemployment, decreasing

social benefits and difficulties in accessing housing, education and health services.

There is a strong correlation between social exclusion and low levels of democratic participation, which — if

not tackled — can call into question the legitimacy of democratic institutions. In some cases, this had led to the

rise of extremist parties and groups in and outside of the democratic system.

This lack of self-determined political participation in the democratic process could for example be seen in

the rising disaffection of many young people, or a lack of engagement among minorities or women, who are

found to be significantly less politically active. We can also observe a widening gap between the poor and the

rich, with those with lower education and income levels being much less likely to participate in political

processes.

To ensure social cohesion and access to civil and political rights for all, the state has an important role to

play. Public policies need to combine both broader approaches promoting social cohesion, and more specific

action aimed at fighting against social exclusion, differentiated for different stages of the life-course, notably

early child-hood, youth, working-age adulthood and later life.

Policies should be largely based on the prevention of exclusion and aimed at breaking “cycles of

disadvantage”, rather than on managing and alleviating the symptoms of exclusion. Some relevant measures

have already been promoted by earlier texts of the Assembly, such as the ones on combating poverty, youth

unemployment, decent pensions or child poverty (which will not be quoted in more detail here).

Guaranteed minimum levels of family income are necessary, either by providing an overall legal minimum

wage, or by facilitating sector agreements achieved through social dialogue.

An essential element of inclusive labour-market policies is the redistribution of work amongst the working

population through education and training. Also needed are growth strategies, which do not only lower

unemployment levels in the short term (for example through precarious part-time work), but also create quality

jobs allowing long-term participation in social security systems.

Public policies also need to pay specific attention to certain vulnerable groups. Amongst the groups in need

of special support are migrant workers, ethnic minorities, working women, children and young people and

people with disabilities, who are all disproportionately hit by the crisis.