Reflecting on Marx's Hypothetical 10-Point Electoral Program for the Presidency of the European Parliament to Transform Europe

by Marco Arezio

In the imaginative political scenario of 2024, Europe stands at a historical crossroads with the candidacy of Karl Marx for the European Parliament.

This revolutionary thinker, though from a bygone era, emerges as an emblematic figure for an electoral campaign that promises to rewrite the rules of economics, politics, and society.

His candidacy is not just a symbol of radical change but also a call to action to address contemporary challenges with an innovative and inclusive approach.

At the heart of his electoral campaign lie ten fundamental principles, each reflecting the depth of his critical thinking and his vision for a fair and sustainable future. From promoting economic democracy and labor market reform to combating the climate crisis and promoting an ethical financial system, Marx's platform directly addresses the most pressing issues Europe and the entire world are facing today.

Marx, were he to run today, would not limit himself to proposing mere temporary solutions. His campaign would be an invitation to imagine a new Europe: a continent that embraces solidarity beyond borders, values the environment as much as the economy, and treats social justice as the fundamental pillar on which to build the future.

The following article explores in detail Marx's revolutionary vision for Europe in 2024, analyzing how each point of his program not only addresses the roots of our current crises but also offers a hopeful and feasible path toward a brighter future.

With Marx as a candidate, the European Parliament could become the catalyst for an era of unprecedented reforms, marking the dawn of a new chapter for Europe, characterized by the promise of lasting equity, shared prosperity, and an unwavering commitment to the sustainability of our planet.

Introduction

Marxism, a social, economic, and political theory formulated by Karl Marx and Engels in the 19th century, has significantly influenced the course of human history. With its incisive critique of capitalism and its vision of a classless society, Marxism stands as a theory of rupture, proposing a radical restructuring of the economic and social foundations of society.

In 2024, the world faces unprecedented economic, social, and environmental challenges. Rising inequalities, climate crisis, and technological advancements redefine the fabric of daily life.

In this context, the article aims to explore how Marxist theories could be applied to contemporary economics, assessing their impacts on the labor market, social life, and wealth distribution.

We will examine the potential of a Marxist interpretation in solving some of today's major issues, while also analyzing the limits and criticisms of such an approach. The goal is to provide a balanced overview, reflecting on how the principles of Marxism could be reworked and adapted to the economic and social context of 2024, and what the advantages and disadvantages might be compared to the current situation.

Imagining Karl Marx in a contemporary context, here are the first 10 actions he might undertake or promote in economic, social, and environmental policy:

Promoting Economic Democracy

Today, Karl Marx, faced with the challenges and inequalities of our time, might place strong emphasis on promoting economic democracy as the foundation for a more equitable and just society. Economic democracy implies active participation of workers and communities in the management and ownership of production means, as well as in the economic decisions affecting their daily lives. Here is how Marx might develop and promote this concept:

Workers' Cooperatives: Promote the foundation and support of workers' cooperatives in various sectors of the economy. These cooperatives would be owned and democratically managed by their members, who would make collective decisions on issues such as production, profit distribution, and working conditions. Marx would see in cooperatives a way to overcome the alienation of labor typical of capitalism, returning control over the working environment and the fruits of their labor to the workers.

Worker Participation in Corporate Management: Encourage laws that require worker participation in the boards of large companies, ensuring that their voices are heard in crucial business decisions. This approach would reduce the gap between the management class and workers, promoting a more equitable work environment and a fairer distribution of the economic value generated by the activity.

Nationalization of Key Sectors: Propose the nationalization or municipalization of strategic sectors such as energy, water, transport, and healthcare. These services, essential for the well-being of society, would be democratically managed by communities and the state to ensure universal access and prevent monopolization and exploitation by private interests.

Promotion of Worker Investment Funds: Support the creation of investment funds controlled by workers to ethically and sustainably reinvest profits, financing projects that benefit the community and the environment, and supporting the transition to a greener and more technologically advanced economy.

Education and Training on Economic Democracy: Launch education and training programs for workers and communities on the functioning of economic democracy, managerial skills, and ethical business practices. The goal would be to prepare citizens to actively participate in the economic life of society in an informed and critical manner.

The promotion of economic democracy by Marx would aim for a profound transformation of the current economic system, seeking to realize a society where work and resources are managed in a way that reflects the interests and needs of the majority, not just of a small elite. This would not only help reduce inequalities but also create a more cohesive, sustainable, and resilient society in the face of future challenges.

Redistribution of Wealth

In a contemporary context, Karl Marx would likely see progressive taxation as a crucial tool to address radical economic inequalities and fund a wide range of essential public services.

The redistribution of wealth through progressive taxation aims to reduce income and wealth disparities, ensuring that everyone has access to the opportunities and supports necessary for a dignified life. Here is how Marx might deepen and implement this principle:

High Income Taxes: Support the introduction of significantly higher tax rates for higher incomes, with the aim of reducing income inequalities and discouraging excessive wealth accumulation. This system would ensure that those who are able to contribute more to society do so in a fair manner.

Wealth and Large Fortune Taxation: Propose annual taxes on large fortunes, taxing wealth accumulated beyond certain thresholds. This would help counter the concentration of wealth and economic power in the hands of a few, redistributing resources that can be used for collective well-being.

Financial Transaction Taxes: Introduce taxes on speculative financial transactions to discourage speculation and generate revenues that can be reinvested in social programs and infrastructure. This approach could also help stabilize financial markets by reducing high-risk operations.

Elimination of Tax Havens and Fight Against Tax Evasion: Work internationally to close tax loopholes and combat tax evasion and avoidance. This would include the implementation of global standards for tax transparency and cooperation between tax authorities to ensure that individuals and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.

Funding of Public Services and Welfare Programs: Use the revenues generated by these fiscal measures to fund public education, universal healthcare, social housing, public transport, and social welfare programs. This would ensure that the benefits of economic growth are more equitably shared and that there is substantial support for those in vulnerable situations.

Investments in Sustainable Development Projects: Allocate funds for projects that promote sustainable development, including those related to renewable energies, carbon emission reduction, and environmental conservation. These investments would not only help combat climate change but also create job opportunities and stimulate innovation in key sectors.

Marx's vision on progressive taxation would focus on the idea that a fair and balanced tax system is fundamental to building a more equitable and solidary society, where the wealth generated collectively is used to meet the needs of all, not just of a restricted economic elite.

Labor Market Reform

Imagining Karl Marx in the current context, it would be clear his commitment to a profound reform of the labor market, aimed at improving the conditions of workers and reducing inequality.

This reform would have several main goals, including ensuring fair labor rights, reducing working hours, increasing minimum wages, and improving working conditions. Here is how Marx might theorize and promote these changes:

Strengthened Labor Rights: Marx would support legislation that strengthens the rights of workers, including protection against unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. He would actively promote freedom of association and the right to strike, essential to allow workers to collectively negotiate for better working conditions.

Reduction of Working Hours: Convinced that reducing working hours is crucial to improving the quality of life of workers, Marx would push for a shorter work week, without a reduction in salary. This would not only improve the well-being of workers but also stimulate employment, distributing the available work more equitably among the population.

Increase in Minimum Wage: He would propose a significant increase in the minimum wage to ensure that all workers receive a remuneration that reflects the real cost of living and allows them to live with dignity. This step would be seen as essential to combat poverty and stimulate aggregate demand in the economy.

Health and Safety at Work: He would emphasize the importance of safe and healthy work environments, promoting stringent legislation that requires companies to maintain high standards of health and safety. Marx would see the health of workers not as a corporate cost, but as a fundamental right.

Fair Work Contracts: He would fight labor precarity by promoting the use of indefinite contracts as the norm, limiting the use of fixed-term or zero-hour contracts only to exceptional and justified situations. This would provide greater job security and protect workers from economic fluctuations.

Training and Requalification: Marx would support state-funded training and requalification programs for workers, especially in sectors affected by automation and ecological transition. These programs would ensure that workers can adapt to changes in the labor market and find employment in new growing sectors.

Worker Participation in Business Decisions: Finally, Marx would promote corporate governance models that include worker participation in business decisions, through representations on boards of directors or worker committees. This would ensure that workers' voices are heard at all stages of the decision-making process.

Marx would see this reform of the labor market not only as a way to improve the immediate conditions of workers but also as a step towards a more just and equitable society, where work is valued and workers are considered an integral part of economic decisions.

Universal Basic Income

Karl Marx, facing the economic and social challenges of our time, might see in the Universal Basic Income (UBI) a revolutionary tool to ensure basic economic security for all citizens. This would be a fundamental step towards reducing poverty, mitigating inequality, and promoting greater individual freedom.

Here is how he could argue and promote UBI:

Guarantee of Economic Security: Marx would support UBI as a universal right, guaranteeing every individual an income sufficient to cover essential life needs, regardless of work status. This would provide a safety net that protects all from extreme poverty.

Emancipation from Alienated Labor: A central aspect of Marxist thought is the critique of alienation of labor in capitalism. UBI could reduce the economic coercion to engage in alienating and unrewarding work, giving individuals the freedom to pursue occupations more in line with their interests and values.

Stimulation of Innovation and Creativity: With financial security guaranteed by UBI, Marx would argue that more people could afford to take creative or innovative paths, including arts, education, or starting new businesses. This could lead to a more dynamic and innovative society.

Response to Automation and Job Loss: Faced with automation and digitalization, which threaten to make many jobs obsolete, Marx would see UBI as a way to ensure that the benefits of automation are shared by all, providing livelihoods to those who lose their jobs due to these technological changes.

Promotion of Gender Equity: UBI could help reduce gender disparities by providing economic independence to individuals of all genders, including those engaged in unpaid caregiving work, traditionally performed by women and often economically unrecognized in capitalist society.

Flexibility and Adaptability in the Labor Market: With UBI, workers would have greater flexibility in choosing when and how to work, making the labor market more adaptable and resilient to economic and social shocks.

Funding and Implementation: Marx would explore ways to finance UBI through a combination of progressive taxation, fiscal reforms, and efficient use of public resources. He would support an open and democratic discussion on the best implementation of UBI, involving communities, experts, and workers in the decisions.

Pilot Experiments and Research: Finally, Marx would promote pilot experiments and thorough research on UBI to study its effects on society, the economy, and individual well-being, ensuring that policies are based on solid data and real results.

In summary, Marx would see UBI not only as a means to address immediate economic injustices but also as a step towards a deeper transformation of society, where individual freedoms are extended and dependence on the labor market for survival is reduced.

Investments in Public Services

Karl Marx, if active today, would strongly support investments in public services and welfare programs as fundamental to building a fair and equitable society. These investments would not only guarantee universal access to essential services, but they would also represent an important tool for wealth redistribution and reducing inequalities.

Here is how Marx might argue and promote this aspect:

Universality and Accessibility: Marx would emphasize the need to ensure that all public services, including healthcare, education, housing, and transport, are universal and accessible to all, regardless of income or social status. This would require a significant increase in public investments in these areas.

Public Healthcare: He would promote a free, high-quality public healthcare system as a fundamental right of every citizen, supporting the idea that access to care should not depend on one's ability to pay. Investments in public healthcare should cover a comprehensive range of services, from prevention and primary care to specialized and emergency care.

Public Education: He would support free, quality public education for all, from childhood to higher education, as a means to promote equal opportunities. Investments in education should include not only schooling but also adult education and vocational training, facilitating continuous learning and adaptation to labor market changes.

Social Housing: He would propose a broad social housing program to address the housing crisis and ensure that everyone has access to decent and affordable housing. This could include the construction of new public housing units and support for renters to prevent evictions and homelessness.

Public Transport: He would encourage substantial investments in improving and expanding public transport, making it more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly. An accessible and extensive public transport system would be essential to ensure the mobility of all citizens and to reduce dependence on private cars, with significant environmental benefits.

Welfare Programs: He would emphasize the importance of robust welfare programs that provide support to those in need, including the unemployed, elderly, disabled, and low-income families. These programs should cover a wide range of supports, from income support, healthcare access, to educational and cultural services.

Funding: Marx would explore progressive ways to finance these investments, such as fair taxation, fighting tax evasion, and redefining public spending priorities, ensuring that resources are used to promote collective well-being rather than the interests of a restricted economic elite.

Democratic Participation: Finally, he would promote participatory management and planning of public services, involving communities and workers in the decision-making process, to ensure that services effectively meet the population's needs.

In summary, Marx would see investments in public services and welfare programs not just as a moral duty of the state, but as a crucial strategy for building a society where well-being and equality are within everyone's reach, not just those who can afford it.

Revolutionary Environmental Policies

In the contemporary context, Karl Marx would recognize the urgent need to address the climate and environmental crisis through revolutionary environmental policies.

These policies would not only aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment, but also to restructure economic and social relations to promote sustainability and ecological justice. Here is how Marx might articulate and support such policies:

Just Energy Transition: Marx would support a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric, ensuring that this transition is just and fair for workers and communities currently dependent on fossil industries. This would involve significant investments in renewables and in retraining programs for workers.

Circular Economy: He would promote the transition to a circular economy that minimizes waste and maximizes the reuse and recycling of materials. Marx would see the circular economy not only as a means to reduce the ecological footprint but also to challenge the logic of excessive production and consumption inherent in capitalism.

Sustainable Agriculture: He would argue for significant investment in sustainable and organic agriculture to replace intensive industrial agriculture, reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and promoting biodiversity and soil health.

Limits to Capitalistic Expansion: He would challenge the incessant need for expansion and growth in capitalism, which often leads to environmental destruction. Marx would promote policies that set limits on extractivism and promote economic models based on sustainability rather than profit.

Sustainable Urbanization: He would advance the idea of sustainable cities, with a strong focus on efficient public transport, urban greenery, energy-efficient buildings, and livable spaces that reduce dependence on cars and promote a better quality of life.

Global Climate Justice: He would recognize the importance of climate justice, emphasizing the need for global policies that take into account the historical responsibilities of wealthier nations in the climate crisis and support developing countries in their ecological transition.

Public Participation in Environmental Policy: Finally, Marx would emphasize the active and democratic participation of communities in the planning and implementation of environmental policies, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by the environmental crisis are heard and considered.

Land Reform and Food Sovereignty: He might favor the redistribution of agricultural land and promote sustainable farming practices to ensure food sovereignty, reduce dependence on multinationals, and improve the living conditions of farmers.

In conclusion, Marx would consider the fight against the climate and environmental crisis not just as a matter of survival, but also as an opportunity to radically reform society towards greater equity, justice, and sustainability, reflecting his commitment to a society that meets the needs of all and not just the accumulation of a few.

Circular Economy and Degrowth

Karl Marx, applying his analysis to contemporaneity, might have supported concepts such as the circular economy and degrowth, interpreting them as critical tools to reduce the environmental impact of capitalism and to promote a more sustainable and just economic organization. Here is how Marx might articulate and promote these concepts:

Critique of Unsustainable Consumption: Marx would start by criticizing the incessant cycle of production and consumption that characterizes modern capitalism, highlighting how it leads to excessive exploitation of natural resources, destruction of ecosystems, and generation of inequalities. He would emphasize the need for a paradigm shift towards an economic model that values sustainability rather than limitless growth.

Promotion of the Circular Economy: Marx would see in the circular economy the potential for an economic model that mimics natural cycles, where the waste of one process becomes the resources for another. This approach would require a radical reconfiguration of production processes, oriented towards minimizing waste, maximizing the reuse of materials, and extending the lifespan of products. He would promote policies that incentivize the design of easily repairable, recyclable, and dismantlable products.

Support for Degrowth in Developed Countries: Marx might support the concept of degrowth, especially in wealthy countries, as a conscious strategy to reduce resource consumption and ecological footprint. Degrowth would be seen not as a regression, but as an opportunity to improve quality of life, redistribute wealth more equitably, and reduce inequalities, shifting from an economy based on quantity to one based on quality and collective well-being.

Reorienting Technological Innovation: He would support a reorientation of technological innovation towards solutions that support the circular economy and sustainability. This would include backing research and development in renewable energies, advanced recycling technologies, sustainable agriculture, and clean transport. Innovation should be democratically controlled and oriented to meet real human needs rather than generating profits.

Supportive Policies for Transition: Marx would promote public policies to support the transition towards the circular economy and degrowth, such as fiscal incentives for sustainable businesses, environmental taxation to discourage unsustainable practices, and investments in public infrastructure that facilitate sustainable lifestyles.

Education and Awareness: He would emphasize the importance of education and public awareness about the importance of sustainability, the circular economy, and degrowth. This would help create a culture that values resource conservation, social and environmental justice, and collective responsibility for the planet.

In conclusion, Marx would integrate the concepts of the circular economy and degrowth into his critical thinking as means to overcome the contradictions and unsustainabilities of capitalism, steering society towards a future where harmony with the environment and social justice are at the heart of economic organization.

Digital Commons and Democratic Technology

In the era of digitalization and information, Karl Marx might have seen in the digital commons and democratic technology powerful tools to counter capitalistic power dynamics and to promote a more equitable and participatory economy. These concepts would naturally fit into his vision of a society where the means of production are collectively owned and democratically managed. Here is how Marx might develop and support these objectives:

Promotion of Digital Commons: Marx would support the creation and expansion of digital commons, digital resources such as software, data, and content that are freely accessible and reusable by the community. This would include backing open-source software, open educational resources (OER), and open scientific data archives, democratizing access to knowledge and innovation.

Technology for Collective Empowerment: He would see the potential of digital technologies to promote collective empowerment and democratic participation. Marx would promote the development of collaborative online platforms that facilitate economic and social cooperation, such as cooperative online marketplaces, community-managed crowdfunding platforms, and social networks based on democratic governance models.

Democratization of Access to Technology: He would support policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring fair and universal access to digital technologies, combating the digital divide that excludes large segments of the population from access to the internet and digital tools. This could include investing in public telecommunications infrastructure and digital education for all citizens.

Data Sovereignty and Privacy: Marx would recognize the importance of data sovereignty and privacy in an era where personal data is often exploited for corporate profit. He would support regulations that protect users' data as common goods and promote data management models that prioritize privacy and individual and collective control over their own data.

Opposition to Technological Monopolization: Marx would sharply criticize the tendency towards monopolization in the technology sector, where a few large companies hold enormous power over data, infrastructure, and digital platforms. He would promote antitrust policies to dismantle or strictly regulate these monopolies, encouraging a diverse and competitive technological ecosystem.

Responsible and Ethical Technological Innovation: He would emphasize the need to orient technological innovation towards the common good, promoting the development of technologies that address social and environmental challenges rather than generating profit at the expense of society and the environment. This includes promoting green technologies, accessible digitalization, and social innovation.

Public Participation in Technology Governance: Finally, Marx would advocate for democratic and participatory governance of technology, where communities and citizens play an active role in decisions related to the development, implementation, and regulation of digital technologies. This could be achieved through mechanisms of public deliberation, technology ethics councils, and collaborative governance platforms.

In summary, Marx would integrate digital commons and democratic technology into his vision of a future where technologies serve collective interests and promote equity, social justice, and democratic participation, countering the power dynamics and exclusions typical of capitalism.

Ethical and Transparent Financial System

In the contemporary context, characterized by the growing complexity of the global financial system, Karl Marx would likely perceive the urgent need to profoundly reform this system to make it more ethical, transparent, and at the service of collective needs. This interest would be based on the belief that a fair financial system is crucial for an equitable and sustainable economy. Here is how Marx might develop and support such a reform:

Regulation of the Financial Sector: Marx would emphasize the importance of strict regulation of the financial sector to prevent excessive speculation, speculative bubbles, and financial crashes that can have devastating effects on the real economy and people's lives. This would include stringent limits on financial derivatives, capital requirements for banks, and high-risk loans.

Taxation of Financial Transactions: He would propose the introduction of a tax on financial transactions to discourage short-term speculation and generate public revenues that could be used to fund social services and public investment programs. This tax, sometimes called the "Tobin tax," would be aimed at reducing financial market volatility and discouraging high-frequency trading that contributes little to the real economy.

Promotion of Public and Cooperative Banks: Marx would support the creation and expansion of public and cooperative banks, which operate with the goal of serving the public interest rather than maximizing private profits. These financial institutions could provide credit at fair rates for socially useful projects, supporting communities, small businesses, and ecological initiatives.

Transparency and Accountability: He would call for greater transparency and accountability in the financial system, with stricter disclosure rules and monitoring mechanisms that allow effective supervision of financial activity by regulatory authorities and the public. This would help prevent fraud, abuse, and irresponsible behavior.

Reduction of the Power of Global Financial Institutions: Marx would likely criticize the excessive power held by global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, advocating for a reform of these institutions to ensure that they operate more democratically and are more accountable to the needs of poorer and vulnerable countries.

Fight Against Tax Havens: He would undertake a decisive battle against tax havens, promoting international cooperation to eliminate tax loopholes and ensure that individuals and corporations pay taxes fairly. This would be crucial for combating tax evasion and the accumulation of untaxed wealth.

Support for the Real Economy: Finally, Marx would emphasize the importance of orienting the financial system to support the real economy, rather than allowing it to operate detached from it. This would mean incentivizing investments in productive sectors that create jobs, promote sustainable development, and improve people's quality of life.

In summary, Marx would see the need for a profound reform of the financial system as an integral part of his vision of a more just and equitable society. This reformed system would be characterized by greater fairness, transparency, and orientation towards the common good, countering the speculative dynamics and inequalities generated by the capitalist financial system.

These actions reflect a vision consistent with Marxist principles of equality, social justice, and environmental sustainability, updated to address the specific challenges of the 21st century.