innen und Eröffnung der Eschborner Fachtage 2000 - Gtz

Eschborner Fachtage 2000 – Dokumentation der Plenumsveranstaltung
Social outburst is growing in a very dangerous way. As Baron says, democracy is a higher,
more cherished value than free markets and profits. Political liberty is a necessity, whereas
economic liberty is a convenience.
Even more, solid democratic institutions will be a key factor not only in political life but also in
how well governments handle the difficult social and economic problems confronting the Region.
And among these institutions, none are more important than parties and party systems.
But in some countries as Colombia, and Venezuela, new political parties are successfully
replacing the traditional ones, which is healthy phenomenon, but also non-political movements,
which is not necessarily positive.
In many countries, especially those in the middle of severe instability, political parties are not
representing the majority of the population, excluded during centuries of the decision making
process. These institutions never had stable roots in society and they have not structured
political preferences over time. In simple terms, many political organizations in the Region
can be identified as anti political parties. Weak or non-existing parties lead to populism that
responds to personalistic appeals; its goal is publicity more than political impact. This is
exactly what Latin America does not need.
According to UNDP, governance can be seen as the exercise of economic, political and administrative
authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels It comprises the mechanisms,
processes, and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interest, exercise
their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. Good governance
is participatory, transparent and accountable.
Since in Latin America, neo liberal reforms have not produced self-sustained growth, a more
equitable income distribution, or a fair society, the basic elements for good governance are
not given. Additionally, the lack of institutions at all levels constrains good politics and therefore
democracy, in its real meaning. It is obvious that governance or even better good governance
is still a goal for many nations in the Region. But even more, good governance can
be the primary way to eliminate poverty.
4. New Political Actors
This is the area where positive results can be identified. Out of frustration, citizenship, in the
sense of commitment with public issues, has grown in an impressive matter. It has been
recognized that the most important outcome of the 20th century is the visible role of individuals.
Very few Latin Americans have been able to maintain their prestige over long periods of
time. On the opposite, civil society is becoming more and more a very active actor in their
communities and countries. The big challenge now is to find the right position for building the
new Region: the state can not be replaced and politics is not necessarily their place. First
women, then gender and sustainability are issues that have been promoted basically by the
civil society.
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