Politics of the past: the use and abuse of history - Socialists ...

Preface
Never again
7
Martin Schulz
Collective memory gives people a sense of belonging. History helps
to explain the world. A shared view of history can motivate people
to take action that changes the future. History is subjective and
open to different interpretations. Many politicians have used a
partisan view of history to further their own ends.
Each country and every generation has to deal with their own past,
but this should not be done by promoting myths or by using politically
motivated interpretations of history to attack opponents. We
inherit the collective memory and the history our predecessors left
for us and we should use this appropriately and honestly. As a
German, I feel strongly that I have to live with the horror of the Third
Reich and Auschwitz, the lowest point in human history.
The history of the European Union is a history of the determination
that grew out of the ruins of 1945 – it is a history of 'never again'.
The EU has led to the longest period of peace in Europe since
Roman times. The lesson we have learnt is that this determination
must be renewed every day. Despite the lessons of history, right
wing extremism and populism are alive in Europe. The current economic
crisis must not be allowed to lead to a greater resurgence
of the Far Right.
Europe’s tragic history did not end in 1945 with the defeat of the
Nazi regime. I come across this everyday when I am talking with
colleagues from Central and Eastern Europe who suffered under
communist dictatorships.
We cannot walk away from our history, and today’s politics are of
course related to events that happened in the past. We should
refrain, however, from abusing history for political gain.
Martin Schulz is President of the Socialist Group in the European
Parliament.