The Greek Crisis: What will we tell our grandchildren?

These days in Greece and Europe, history is being written. Politicians are gambling over the future of Greece and Europe in a state of helplessness. Following the developments over the past few weeks, I am concerned: what will happen to our continent next if European politicians continue making decisions on an ad-hoc-basis without listening to the citizens?

My colleagues at Democracy International and myself are convinced: We need a democratic debate and real people power in Europe. We need a democratic re-start now!

We want a Europe in which citizens have real opportunities to participate in deliberations. A Europe in which citizens have the final say in fundamental decisions that affect our lives and the future of Europe.

For this we call for a European Convention – a democratic and inclusive process that brings politicians, civil society and citizens together in an open debate to advise on the best proposals for Europe’s future. A Convention whose outcomes are legitimated directly by the citizens of Europe in a pan-European referendum. Democracy International has been working toward this for many years. Please support our work.

Ad hoc emergency political decision-making is putting markets, leaders and their financial interests first. We are convinced that the primary responsibility of our political leaders is to us, the people. We are fighting for real democratic change in Europe.

In this view we at Democracy International are investing all our efforts. We are campaigning for a stronger European Citizens' Initiative. We are calling for a European Convention to bring together politicians, civil society and citizens alike to discuss the future of Europe. A pan-European referendum will be the final stage of this democratic process. Please support our work to make people's voices louder. In 50 years we don’t want to be telling our grandchildren that we sold off cheap our democracy.

[Note: Participatory Democracy Cultural Initiative, sponsors of ParticipatoryDemocracy.net, fully support Democracy International in their efforts to promote citizen's participation in Europe through a stronger European Citizens' Initiative. Readers may support these efforts HERE ]