Annual Report 2016 Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Annual Report 2016 Annual Report Annual Report 2016
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Annual Report 2016
Hans-Dietrich Genscher was an exemplary role model for our liberal Foundation: he personified the courage to choose freedom. A great European and respected German patriot, his services as the architect of German re-unification will remain forever unforgotten, both within the Foun- dation and in broader German society. In June our trustee of many years, Detlef Kleinert, passed away, having been a member of our board of trustees for almost 30 years. On 24 August former Federal President Walter Scheel died, having served for many years as chairperson of our board of trustees. Walter Scheel left his mark on the Foundation thanks to the high esteem in which he was held as a former foreign minister and federal president of Germany, as well as his international network of contacts and his cheerful bonhomie.
The year 2016, with its great political debates on the future of Europe, the refugee crisis and the safeguarding of pensions, also had a considerable impact on our education and training activities. The European Future Conference on 8 December 2016 in Berlin was a fitting end to a year marked by Brexit and the crisis of Europe. After the official opening by Federal President Joachim Gauck, the prime ministers of Luxembourg and Slovenia participated in a panel discus- sion with two of our trustees, Christian Lindner and Alexander Graf Lambsdorff. The future of our continent was also the topic of speeches by the former federal president of Switzerland, Kaspar Villiger, at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt, and of Ryszard Petru, leader of the opposition in the Polish parliament, in Berlin in March.
But other events of our regional programmes, as well as position papers we published during 2016 on topics as diverse as pensions, school policy, housing policy, the elimination of cash, digitisation, mobility, climate protection, big data privacy, smart government, integration, and refugee policy, also made significant contributions to the current debate and may spark your Dear reader, interest. You are welcome to read our publications at www.freiheit.org.
Our annual report for 2016 provides you with detailed insights into the Foundation’s work last Unfortunately, the world did not become a safer place in 2016. Quite the contrary. Worldwide, year. It covers new projects and ideas, painful losses and farewells, and exciting campaigns and we have seen freedom continue to be placed under enormous pressure; nonetheless, we will not events which have enriched our work both in Germany and abroad. stop defending it. In addition to a renewed focus on Washington, Hong Kong and Brussels, we will continue to defend freedom through our human rights activities and our collaboration In 2016, the Foundation lost some of its most important allies. In the space of just a fortnight in with partners and supporters of liberty in Europe and throughout the world. March 2016, former liberal foreign ministers Dr Guido Westerwelle and Hans-Dietrich Genscher passed away. The loss of Dr Guido Westerwelle meant not just losing a good friend, but also a 2017 will be a fateful year for freedom in Europe and around the world. The Foundation has loyal supporter of the Foundation’s work over many years, be it as a bursary holder, federal repositioned itself and is ready to address these challenges. chairperson of the FDP or as foreign minister. We invite you to participate in the freedom project through this, our Foundation for Freedom. Beginnings. Farewells. Steffen Saebisch New challenges. CEO, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom 06 Table of Contents 07
Annual Report 2016
08 Highlights 46 International politics
10 European Future Conference 48 Latin America: Adiós populists 14 Freedom Prize 50 Trump triumphs 16 Raif Badawi Award 52 Free Media – Free Minds 18 Boris Nemtsov Forum 54 Timothy Garton Ash on Brexit 20 Berlin Freedom Address 56 Gerhardt and Paqué: Game over
22 Open and digital society 58 Taking stock: a liberal perspective
24 Using games to teach human rights in Thailand 60 The board’s activities 26 Sharia strives for emancipation 61 Report by the board of trustees on committee work 28 Training of trainers on e-commerce 62 On the self-conception of the political foundations 30 Sharing is caring – isn’t it? 63 Engaged in political dialogue in over 60 countries worldwide 64 Acknowledgement and imprint
32 Education
34 “Animate Europe” goes Strasbourg 36 From troublemakers to liberal revolutionaries?
38 Social market economy
40 Special award for contributions to economic freedom presented to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Bulgaria 42 Of kings and peanut butter producers 10 Highlights 11
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On 8 December 2016 – almost 25 years to the day after In looking to the future, Gauck took inspiration from the left behind by globalisation who voted for populism, as the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty – liberals from past: he quoted at length from an essay by Lord Ralf was the case with comparable lower-middle class protest across Europe met at the European Future Conference, Dahrendorf, published almost two decades previously movements in many European states. It was advisable, hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. in “Die Zeit”, a liberal weekly newspaper. In the article, he added, to internalise these lessons quickly and draw The conclusion: there is lots to be done – let us get started! Dahrendorf, a prominent liberal and former chairperson correct conclusions from the questions and challenges of the Foundation’s board who died in 2009, highlighted raised. Globalisation – never mind how right and im- Wolfgang Gerhardt, chairperson of the Foundation’s the links between globalisation and its social impact in portant it was for the world – had to be moderated and board, formulated the day’s core message in his introduc- a way that was “almost prophetic”, in Gauck’s words. He socially cushioned, else democracy would be “crushed tory remarks, which many liberal top politicians from all went on to say: “Dahrendorf coolly analyses the costs between the unleashed elements”, he warned. over Europe referenced in their replies and comments: and benefits of globalisation and concludes that its social “If the European Union didn’t exist, we would have to side-effects and repercussions will be the ‘next challenge In his view, the EU was facing a whole host of challen- invent it. But it exists, so we must improve it.” for a policy of freedom’.” Gauck said he wished he had ges, greatest of which was seeing this task catalogue “read this text earlier. Then I would have understood as a joint responsibility. He added that the surprising US Federal President Joachim Gauck, who opened the sooner what is coming our way.” The president’s advice: election result “will also see the transatlantic partnership conference with a brilliant speech in front of over 600 “Take your bearings from the analytical foresight of the enter a new, unpredictable period”. The first of two panel Liane Knüppel, delegates at the Kosmos Berlin, also followed this line great liberals to avoid being surprised by developments discussions dealt with the question of how Europe could Professor Ludwig Theodor Heuss, of thought. He asserted that there could be only one in politics and society.” both boost freedom and generate more prosperity. For Dr Wolf-Dieter Zumpfort, response to the continent’s political and economic crises, Christian Lindner, the FDP’s federal chairperson, the key Professor Karl-Heinz Paqué Brexit, the forces pulling at the edges of the community, “United, but not unified” to combating populism and despondency was to address the rise of populists and autocrats, and the elevation of the problem of lacking courage: “It is not change which we Donald Trump to the US presidency: closer cooperation Gauck next turned his attention to the US election results, have to fear, but fear itself.” Fear was what led countries to and an even closer integration of the European states. commenting that Dahrendorf’s 1997 prophecy rang truer seal off their markets. Fear led governments to subsidise However, this did not mean “the erasure of national than ever if one observed that it was mainly – although old industry structures instead of boldly supporting entre- identities or national cultures”. not exclusively – socially marginalised groups and those preneurs or investing in cross-border digitisation.
European Future “Take your bearings from the analytical foresight Conference 2016 of the great liberals to avoid being surprised by developments in politics and society.” Nobody can take our freedom!
Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Miro Cerar, Christian Lindner, Ryszard Petru, Joachim Gauck, Hans van Baalen, Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt, Xavier Bettel 08 Highlights 09
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“We must attempt, through facts and our love for freedom, to allay people’s fears of a globalised world.”
Joachim Gauck, former President of Germany 12 Highlights 13
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Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Vice president of the European Parliament “If we want our values to be respected, we have to defend them.”
In his statements, Xavier Bettel, prime minister of the According to Lindner, more intensive collaboration did not Miro Cerar, prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia, In this context, Lambsdorff called for the “toothless tiger”, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, similarly expressed a desire necessarily mean “more Brussels”. He summarised his Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (FDP), vice-president of the Europol, to be transformed into a “European FBI” tasked for “more courage, more innovation” and especially a position as follows: “A united Europe does not have to be European Parliament, and Ryszard Petru, chairperson of with vigilantly and effectively combating the dramatically greater effort in the field of digitisation. “Digitisation of a unified Europe, and nor should it be.” Hans van Baalen, the Polish liberal party “Nowoczesna”, participated in the increasing numbers of cyber and propaganda attacks. the economy is largely passing Europe by”, said Bettel, president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for second panel discussion on the topic of “Freedom and Ryszard Petru, whose liberal movement opposes the who also called for “more success stories like SAP”. Europe, emphasised the same point, saying that the key Security in Europe”. Cerar vividly described the situation antidemocrats leading Poland, had words of encourage- ingredient for a renaissance of the European ideal was in Slovenia in the refugee summer of 2015: “12,000 new ment for disheartened liberals: “Populists can be stopped.” economic recovery. He quoted the former US president, refugees entered my country on a single day, which is He noted, among other things, Norbert Hofer’s electoral Bill Clinton: “It’s the economy, stupid!” When one out of comparable to 500,000 new refugees arriving in Germany loss in the Austrian presidential elections. At the same every two persons in their mid-twenties in Spain or on a single day.” Consequently, he identified securing time, Petru looked ahead to the future and promised Greece was out of work and living with their parents, the EU’s outer borders and solving the refugee question that Poland would join the Eurozone in three years’ time, this had a negative impact on the European project. as key tasks for European politics in the near future, should his party come to power. Van Baalen called on the EU to act more decisively in although he emphasised that this did not mean the free areas such as digitisation, the energy market, and the continent should close its borders completely. In addition, Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, member of the implementation of the CETA agreement with Canada: Cerar called on Europe’s democrats to show more com- Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom’s board of “If we can’t even conclude a trade deal with liberal mitment to the common cause: “If we want our values directors, made the closing remarks, concluding that the Canada, then who can we reach a deal with?” to be respected, we have to defend them.” Foundation and the conference had achieved exactly what they had set out to do. “Today, we took a stance “Populists can be stopped” against sentimentality in European affairs.”
In Alexander Graf Lambsdorff’s view, Europe’s citizens And something else had become apparent: “Liberals are expect two things from the EU: prosperity and security. perfectly capable of being popular – when they take a Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt, For the vice president of the European Parliament, clear stance. But never populist.” chairperson of the freedom is not an end state that can be reached, but Friedrich Naumann Foundation rather an ongoing task. To be free, one has to stand up for Freedom’s executive board for freedom. Author: Florian Flicke 14 Highlights 15
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However, Villiger emphasised: “Freedom needs to be “He considers the long term and thinks things through. restrained and channelled to ensure that one person’s He’s open and flexible, he supports reforms”, said Karen Freedom Prize 2016 freedom does not destroy that of another.” In this context, Horn, chairperson of the jury, in her award justification. the relationship between the individual and the collective Ludwig Theodor Heuss, deputy chair of the Foundation’s assumes particular importance. Because “no matter how board of trustees and grandson of Germany’s first federal Responsibility is the price individualistic we may feel, we depend on the collective – president, Theodor Heuss, acknowledged Villiger’s most without which we would not be able to survive for long as significant successful reforms in his laudation. individuals. ” That is why “we have to strike an intelligent balance between the liberal end of the spectrum, with He highlighted the introduction of the debt cap and the of freedom elements such as individuals, markets, personal respon- major reform of federalism in Switzerland, through which sibility, decentralisation and freedom, and the collective Villiger had left a lasting mark as a successful economic end of the spectrum with its complementary elements politician in his home country, and described him as such as the collective, state and solidarity, centralisation “the most important liberal statesman to emerge out of and security”. For Villiger, it is the principle of responsibility Switzerland in the last thirty years”. and the principle of competition which provide the most effective method of restraining freedom. Karen Horn emphasised that Kaspar Villiger, a long-stan- Kaspar Villiger was awarded the 2016 Freedom Prize Living together in peace and prosperity ding member of the Swiss Federal Council and two-time at the Frankfurt Paulskirche. An important liberal statesman federal president, represented a therapeutic counterpart Under the heading “The link between freedom and to the “dangerous political entrepreneurs” who are an in- The political life’s work of Kaspar Villiger, the former economic flourishing”, the former Swiss federal president The concept of freedom is both a call to responsibility creasing presence on the world stage: “He is anything but Swiss federal president, is marked by liberal ideas and asked: “How should our co-existence be organised to and an attitude which Villiger consistently espoused, said a political hustler, of which there are several in Switzer- projects that embrace reforms while maintaining a allow fallible and imperfect humans to live together in Nicola Beer, secretary general of the FDP and member of land. On the contrary: Villiger is a level-headed, responsible sense of responsibility. For this, he was awarded the peace and prosperity?” the state parliament of Hesse, while introducing Villiger liberal, a democrat with a deeply humanitarian ethos.” 2016 Freedom Prize by the Foundation for Freedom at during her opening remarks. the Paulskirche in Frankfurt. The prize honours liberal Finding the balance between morals and regulation was visionaries who have made a significant contribution to the greatest challenge, said Villiger, adding that it had al- the development of liberal goals and values in the world. ways been his conviction that “people are responsible and These are requirements which the 2016 laureate, former only able to truly develop and self-actualise in freedom”. Swiss Federal President Kaspar Villiger, meets perfectly. Be it as a family entrepreneur, business expert or top Winner of the 2016 Freedom Prize: politician – his work has always been characterised by Kaspar Villiger, former federal president liberal ideas and projects. of the Swiss Confederation
Little wonder that the Paulskirche in Frankfurt was once again packed to the rafters when Wolfgang Gerhardt, chairperson of the Foundation’s board, greeted the guest of honour: “Welcome to the living room of political libe- ralism!” Many visitors had travelled from Switzerland to join the mayor of Frankfurt, Peter Feldmann, and other high-ranking representatives from politics and business at the event.
Peter Feldmann, Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt, Kaspar Villiger, Professor Jürgen Morlok
“Freedom needs to be restrained and channelled to ensure that one person’s freedom does not destroy that of another.” 16 Highlights 17
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Overshadowed by the news that the blogger Raif Badawi, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, is to be flogged yet again Raif Badawi Award despite being in poor health, the 2016 Raif Badawi Award for courageous journalists was awarded to the refugee programme of Radio Dange Nwe from Halabja, Iraq, at In these times, we need the Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom awards this prize to draw attention to the ongoing fight for Bada- brave journalists like you! wi’s release and – more broadly – to freedom of opinion and of the press in the Arab world. “There’s nothing the Saudi Arabian regime fears more than open words. It metes out harsh punishment to anyone who promotes Rangen Mahmood, Can Dündar, freedom of thought and speech. Raif Badawi is paying an Ensaf Haidar, Hero Jafaar, inhuman price for his love for freedom, and it could end Professor Karl-Heinz Paqué up costing him his life,” said Karl-Heinz Paqué, deputy chairman of the Foundation, in his opening remarks. “Our radio team is proud to receive this award. We pledge to raise our voices for freedom,
and demand rights for women and the youth.” In his laudation, Can Dündar, former editor-in-chief of the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, encouraged the award recipients to continue working hard and with passion on this extraordinary project for freedom, even under the toughest of conditions: “Your path is rocky, but worthwhi- le.” He added that the work of the female journalists of Radio Dange Nwe was successful in two respects in particular: on the one hand, their fearless opposition to domestic violence and female genital mutilation empo- wered other women to fight for their own independence and against oppression. On the other hand, it created the basis for a free and open society by using radio to contri- bute to a better understanding between different religions and ethnicities, with programmes made by refugees for refugees.
The award was initiated in 2015 by Ensaf Haidar, Raif Badawi’s wife, and Constantin Schreiber, a journalist from the n-tv news channel. The award is also supported by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association.
In their acceptance speech, the award recipients highligh- ted the importance of the prize for their work. “Our radio team is proud to receive this award. We pledge to raise our voices for freedom, and demand rights for women and the youth. This award helps ensure that Raif Bada- wi’s memory is kept alive. We want his fight for freedom and his fate to be made known, not only to our listeners, but also to the broader public.”
Ensaf Haidar (centre) with the recipients of the 2016 Raif Badawi Award 18 Highlights 19
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Protesters demand an end to violence against Russian journalists.
The Russia survey by the Foundation for Freedom highlighted an ambivalent attitude to democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression.
The relationship between Russia and Europe has sunk to Almost 60 percent would even support a system of state new lows since the annexation of Crimea. The Kremlin is planning and distribution. Almost 70 percent of those Boris Nemtsov Forum internationally isolated and keeps making headlines with surveyed expect many Russians to lose their jobs in the its violations of civil liberties and democratic principles. coming years. But what do Russians themselves think about these What does the Russian topics? What are their expectations of the state and their The survey among Russian-speaking citizens in Germany, hopes for their future? Are there differences between which was commissioned by the Boris Nemtsov Founda- their views and those of the Russian diaspora in Germany? tion, revealed differences compared to Russians living The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the in Russia. Over 80 percent of Russians living in Germany public think about civil Boris Nemtsov Foundation studied these questions by feel that they are well-integrated. A broad majority support conducting representative surveys, the results of which German democracy and get most their news from German were presented in October 2016 at the Boris Nemtsov media, although 30 percent primarily watch Russian liberties and democracy? Forum in Berlin. television in Germany and believe German television is no less biased. It was notable that most of those surveyed The Russia survey by the Foundation for Freedom revea- were highly negative when it came to German refugee led an ambivalent attitude to democracy, rule of law and policy, calling for borders to be closed to refugees and freedom of expression, and made apparent the effects of expressing strong opposition to integration. living under an authoritarian system on the perceptions of Russian society. Although 86 percent of Russians The surveys allowed a direct comparison of the political surveyed felt comfortable expressing minority opinions attitudes of Russians and the Russian diaspora in Ger- in their circles of friends and among family members, many to be made for the very first time. that number dropped to around 50 percent when it came to strangers. Citizens’ willingness to speak freely in public is severely constrained. In addition, the struggling eco- nomy means that many people see improving economic conditions as the country’s most important priority. 20 Highlights 21
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He sharply criticised the promotion of narrow-minded The Foundation was actively engaged in project work national interests. “I don’t believe in an à la carte future in over 60 countries all over the world, but almost every- 10th Berlin Freedom Address for Europe, where everybody can just pick and choose where working conditions had become more difficult. what they like. That would mean the end of our joint “Apparently increasing numbers of people believe that project, the end of our solidarity.” He added that the concepts built on national and ethnic ties are more No Europe à la carte younger generation had a special role to play in Europe’s effective than collaboration.” Against this backdrop, future. “Young people are our capital. We have to make it it was even more important to review and agree on possible for them to follow their dreams.” The goal: Europe’s direction to ensure that the European project a Europe that works effectively to devise solutions was not derailed. The Berlin Freedom Address has and present results. In his opening remarks, Wolfgang previously been given by Udo di Fabio, Heinrich August Gerhardt, chairperson of the Friedrich Naumann Founda- Winkler, Joachim Gauck, Paul Nolte, Peter Sloterdijk, Ryszard Petru, chairperson of the Polish liberal opposition He viewed the fact that many Europeans were turning tion for Freedom’s board of directors, also emphasised Cardinal Karl Lehmann, Gabor Steingart, Mark Rutte party “Nowoczesna”, gave the 10th Berlin Freedom Ad- their backs on the idea of a shared Europe with great the importance of closer European cooperation. and Zhanna Nemtsova. dress at the Brandenburg Gate. Speaking on “A Europe of concern: “Europeans mistrust the political elites. Politics Freedom”, he placed the preservation of liberal European makes them angry. The European dream simply disap- values front and centre. Now, more than ever before, points them.” However, he assigned responsibility for Europeans were called upon to defend these historical the success of populist parties and movements in many Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, achievements, he said, adding that the European Union European countries to European politics, rather than the Dr Hermann Otto Solms, was a joint project of freedom. “A Europe of freedom is people. European politics had failed, he said: “Populist Dr Marco Buschmann, an honest Europe. And the European Union is the world’s opinions opposing the European Union did not emerge Rainer Brüderle, Dirk Niebel most advanced integration project.” because people love such ideas. They emerged because politicians were not willing to persuade citizens to take He made it plain that Poland belongs to Europe: “Nobody bold decisions.” The many unresolved crises only worse- should ever doubt that Poles are indebted to freedom and ned these problems. Streams of refugees, the tensions in Europe. It was my generation’s battle to anchor Poland the relationshp with Russia and Brexit weakened the core in the family of the European Union. Today it should be of the European project. Petru added that there were no my generation’s battle to help ensure that the European simple solutions. Addressing these enormous challenges Union remains united.” required Europe to stand together.
Ryszard Petru gave the 10th Berlin Freedom Address.
“A Europe of freedom is an honest Europe. And the European Union is the world’s most advanced integration project.”
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Speech by Ryszard Petru Video 22 Open and digital society 23
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Teaching human rights is essential 24 Open and digital society 25
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Right Card Training Each gaming session is followed by a feedback session and discussion of lessons learned. Based on the infor- mation received, the games, training approaches and teaching processes are refined further. As a result of this process, we have already developed extension packs for the ‘Rights Cards’ game: Human Rights Defenders with Amnesty International, LGBTI Rights with UNESCO and the UNDP, and Human Trafficking with the NGO A21.
How do the games teach players about human rights? ‘Rights Bingo’ is designed for children in primary school. It is a combination of a jigsaw puzzle and a memory bingo game, where each team is given a storyboard that focuses on a human rights violation, with a solution to solve it. Some pieces are missing from each story. The teams complete their stories by picking the correct jigsaw pieces and sharing them with other teams.
The games introduce students to ‘Rights Cards’ was originally developed for children in se- condary school, but has turned out to be equally effective human rights in a way that is fun, for university students and the general public. The game consists of scenario cards describing a human rights creative and easy to understand. Teaching human rights is essential: it encourages citizens violation that needs to be addressed using solution cards. to stand up for their own rights and to protect and respect The team that solves the most scenarios is the winner. the rights of others. It is a tool for combating violence, racism, extremism, discrimination and intolerance. A wide range of human rights issues are raised and discussed in the course of the game. The game dyna- But human rights are often taught using printed text- mics establish an immediate connection between the books and other conventional teaching methods. scenarios on the cards and real life, and the hands-on To address the shortcomings of such methods and link experience allows players to take an active role in deci- human rights to the surroundings and daily lives of sion making. The game thereby helps develop a lasting Using games to teach children, the Foundation developed two games in interest in human rights. Thailand: ‘Rights Cards’ and ‘Rights Bingo’. The games introduce students to human rights in a way that is fun, human rights in Thailand creative and easy to understand. Players are presented with a range of common challenges in Thai society and asked to solve them. This encourages them to raise human rights issues and helps them develop their critical and analytical thinking skills. The games also promote awareness of human rights through interactive tools from a very early age.
The project originally started as an idea in the department for the protection of rights and liberties at the Thai Human Rights ministry of justice. From there, the Friedrich Naumann School Model Foundation engaged with a wide range of partners, both within Thailand and abroad, to develop the games, bringing together a team of human rights experts as well as professional designers of educational toys and games. Since then, the Foundation and its partners have intro- duced the games to schools, universities, civil society organisations and youth camps across all regions of Thailand. We are now working on partnering with organisations with the capacity to implement the tools sustainably at scale, such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration office, to reach all schools in Bangkok. 26 Open and digital society 27
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“When the Islamic world obscured itself, it took two Not so in Morocco. Many similar assertions were made For example, Ahmed Assid, a university professor and Changes are possible but complicated: “We should avoid actions: it closed the bars and veiled the women.” during the colloquium “Women and Religion” in Rabat in activist for the rights of the Berber people, based his falling into the trap of simplification”, demanded Tareq This quote from Moroccan sociologist Fatima Mernissi November 2016. Not only was it a public event, but also argumentation on the pre-Islamic customary law of the Oubrou, imam of Bordeaux. “The Quran is an anarchic is one of many that provoke widespread indignation in one that attracted considerable publicity: although the Berber, which in his view was more advanced and reaso- text. It is not organised – neither by chronology nor the Islamic world. Still, award-winning Tunisian journalist venue, the auditorium of the National Library has 300 nable than Islamic law. Until Morocco’s independence, by topic. There are intricate networks of themes to be Fawzia Zouari took it a step further: “Each time the Arabs seats, the demand was such that some spectators had customary law coexisted with Islamic law, but afterwards untangled before being reconstituted a priori to make it are humiliated they lock up their women, each time it gets to sit on the stairs. Over 30 of the most influential news the latter prevailed. It was time to change again, said possible to reinterpret the text.” Nothing for the simple- better we de-veil.” For Zouari, Arab feminism has been agencies, TV and radio stations, and print and internet Assid: time to update “archaic sharia” for modern times. minded ISIS followers who have called for Oubrou’s trapped by religious morals since the 14th century (“in magazines reported on the event. “For the great ulema (experts on Islamic law) in the Midd- death. Not intimidated by those who take selected verses a nutshell it’s all about the permanent control of female le Ages, those may have been good solutions; today we literally, Oubrou, an outspoken opponent of the veil, sexuality”), as well as, more recently, by colonialism. As a DAMIR, a secular think-tank and partner of the Friedrich have to liberate.” Also, religious education needed to be claims: “The truth of the Quran is somewhere else. It is way out she suggests that legislation should be intro- Naumann Foundation for Freedom, drives the debate and adjusted to societal realities, such as the fact that more like pointing fingers: the finger shows in which direction duced even before attitudes change, and mentions the ex- works to expand liberal spaces. Equal rights for women women than men were obtaining bachelor degrees today. to look.” And the direction is clear to him: “Sharia strives ample of the former Tunisian president, Habib Bourguiba, are needed not only in Morocco but even more in other “We are still living with interpretations by male ulema. for emancipation.” who in 1957 enacted a family law, prescribing monogamy parts of the Islamic world. Accordingly, the conference We need interpretations made and studied by women.” and forbidding child marriages. Provocative statements invited intellectuals and activists from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, like those quoted above trigger intense responses in the Pakistan, Tunisia and Yemen. Each of the countries has a Islamic world, even leading to violence and death threats different Islamic make-up, and each participant contribu- in some countries. ted a different approach.
“We are still living with interpretations by male ulema. We need interpretations Sharia strives for made and studied by women.” emancipation The need for equal rights in the Islamic world
Poster of the conference Femmes et religion
Ahmed Assid, University professor, Amazigh activist and member of our partner organisation Damir 28 Open and digital society 29
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The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), together „For a trainer, methodology is as important as content,” with the regional office of the Friedrich Naumann Foun- said Dr Ronald Meinardus, regional director of the Training of trainers dation for Freedom (FNF), organised a two-day “Training Foundation and one of the moderators. He focused his of Trainers on e-Commerce” workshop in New Delhi. attention on techniques for planning, preparing and im- The hands-on seminar aimed to empower participants plementing a structured workshop programme, including on e-commerce with moderating techniques and communication basics, objectives, content, methods, resources and logistics. as well as online marketing strategies and technological requirements for setting up an e-commerce platform. The workshop programme offered a comprehensive package of participatory teaching and learning techniques Promoting digital literacy The workshop, the first of its kind, combined the relevant such as open space and role playing. These helped the aspects of facilitation skills with knowledge of digital trainees analyse their strengths and weaknesses while business. With participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, conducting such workshops themselves. Rishab Chandra, in South Asia India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the workshop paved a way founder of the e-commerce start-up Script Technology, for promoting digital literacy in these countries in a moderated the technical sessions, which dealt with the structured and strategic manner. essentials of e-commerce and important features of web-based technologies. The workshop brought to light the growing demand for such programmes in South Asia.
Across the board, individuals and companies are seeking out new opportunities on the Internet. There are myriad “South Asia’s economy is in the midst of a historic success stories of start-ups that turned into large enter- prises, seemingly in the blink of an eye. Of course, not all transition and there can be no doubt that the digital entrepreneurs end up at the same level as Flipkart or Ola, to mention just two of the online giants India has component will become ever more dominant as produced. But still, hundreds and thousands of mainly young business people are making a living for themselves, we move ahead.” their families and also their staff using online tools.
“South Asia’s economy is in the midst of a historic transi- tion and there can be no doubt that the digital component will become ever more dominant as we move ahead”, said Dr Meinardus. To address the new challenges and op- portunities, the regional office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has made programmes promo- ting digital literacy a priority in all countries of the region.
Teaching e-commerce skills is an advanced stage of digi- tal literacy. Identifying suitable resource persons, training them and creating a strong network is the objective of the initiative. FNF stands committed to promoting e-com- merce and thus economic empowerment in South Asia.
Dr Ronald Meinardus moderating a session on Moderation Skills at the workshop. 30 Open and digital society 31
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Sharing is caring – The isn’t it?
Drivers and supporters of the Uber rideshare application The sharing economy creates a new kind attend the Uber-Last Round demonstration in Budapest. of trust between providers and consumers
“Sharing is caring” is a phrase we are taught in early The facilitator to others. They thus take on a new role in the market. childhood, but critics of the sharing economy are difficult Therefore, an outright ban of the sharing economy would to win over with this optimistic credo. To shine light on Roland Werner, head of government affairs & policy for be undesirable. The current consumer protection legis- the potential of the sharing economy and the challen- Germany, Austria and Switzerland at Uber, pointed to a lation needs to be updated to adapt to the new realities ges facing it, we organised a series of discussions in specific example to show how new businesses like that have been shaped by the sharing economy. Brussels, Łódź, Ljubljana and Prague. We also supported Uber’s ride-hailing platform bring to light overregulation the publication of the fifth issue of the 4Liberty Review of traditional businesses: “In Berlin, taxi drivers have The think-tank expert on the “Sharing Economy”, in which think-tank experts to take an exam and prove that they know 800 streets from Central and Eastern Europe assessed the chances by heart in times when everyone relies on navigation Maté Hajba, director of the Hungarian Free Market and challenges of this new, community-driven business systems.” New technology offers further advantages to Foundation, believes that the human dimension of model. Here are some perspectives: revolutionise the ride business. Every ride booked via the the sharing economy is too easily forgotten when the Uber app is electronically registered. This offers not only discussion turns to regulations. He recounts the story of The legislator more security for riders but also an automation of tax an Uber driver he met in the U.S. who was saving up for payments – something that is easier to evade in traditi- his daughter’s wedding. When Hajba and his friend wan- Dita Charanzova, a liberal Member of the European onal taxi businesses. On the contested question of what ted to give him a tip upon leaving the car, he asked for a Dita Charanzova Parliament, underlined the changing roles of consumers role Uber plays in the market Werner made clear that five-star-rating instead so he would get more bookings. in the digital age. Through online ratings, users have Uber sees itself as an agent connecting service providers “With the sharing economy we forged a new resource, started driving the sharing economy: “If the consumer and users, not as a provider of rides. the rating,” Hajba explains. “Who would have just gotten is not happy, then the business will sooner or later into a car in the past?” The sharing economy creates a collapse.” Consumers benefit immensely from this new The consumer advocate new kind of trust between providers and consumers, power structure, and hasty regulations could unravel and that trust can transcend into society. this desirable development. “I will definitely be against For Guillermo Beltrà, head of legal and economic affairs any ex-ante controls”, Charanzova said. But how should at the European consumer organisation BEUC, the uncle- politics react to questions and challenges that rise inevi- ar market role of platforms like Uber is worrying. “One im- tably with a new economic activity? “First of all, we need portant question would be: who is responsible in case of a European approach to avoid the fragmentation of the an accident?” he asks. “The driver? Uber?” In his view, this markets. Secondly, we have to treat traditional businesses relationship is not completely clear and the consumer is more like Uber and Air BnB, not the other way around. not able to assess the risks associated with the use of The world has changed, we are currently living the digital the platform. In general, though, he sees great potential revolution. We all have to admit it and we have to adjust in the sharing economy. Consumers become “prosumers” our business models to it.” who can easily offer their own property like a car or a flat 32 Education 33
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“Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.”
George Washington Carver 34 Education 35
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As we presented the comics to people from all over the borators of the Civic Education Academy in the Kyrgyz world, we were particularly happy to start conversations Republic. We were highly impressed not only by the “Animate Europe” with people less involved in comics and arts in general. considerable interest shown by those who stopped at our Two young English-speaking men made an especially table, but also by the effect and impact a creative, inno- strong impression. They themselves were not fond of vative idea such as launching a comic competition about goes Strasbourg drawing, but they were so impressed by the idea that they Europe can have on citizens from different countries, age started to devise a strategy to compete anyway: “Well, if I groups, organisations and backgrounds. come up with a really good story, I wonder if only drawing stick men would influence my winning chances. We still Overwhelmed by the large number of people interested in FNF’s comic exhibition have three months… we will be sitting under the Christmas the comics, impressed by their diverse stories and experi- tree drawing”. We encouraged them to give it a try and ences, enthusiastic about the wide range of audience we can’t wait to find out if they will actually participate! reached, and pleased with making so many individuals at the World Forum Compliments reached us from all sides – from associates happy by showing them our printed comic books, we of the Council of Europe as one of the organisers of the returned to Brussels with the feeling that the next compe- for Democracy WDF, to a representative of the UK parliament, to colla- tition round, “Re-Animate Europe”, will be a huge success!
“Our people are searching for innovative ways The World Forum for Democracy (WDF) is a platform which fosters democratic participation and strengthens to communicate politics and reach different democracies by showcasing innovative projects and grassroots initiatives by decision-makers and activists. groups of people ...”
Considering that this year’s forum revolved around the relationship between education and democracy, we knew it would be a great opportunity to bring our international comic competition “Animate Europe” to Strasbourg. After all, the competition is aimed at generating interest and curiosity about Europe and thereby creating civic engagement and democratic foundations for a strong EU and beyond.
The feedback we received from the international partici- pants of the WDF very much reinforced our decision to exhibit the comics, which were from the 2015 compe- tition round, at the Forum, and also emphasised the value of the competition itself: it gives citizens the power to express their opinions and visions creatively, by combining politics and art and comics in particular.
“This is brilliant! Our people are searching for innovative ways to communicate politics and reach different groups of people apart from those constantly participating – and they haven’t come up with such a great idea! I’m going to tell them about this, this is awesome!”
Animate Europe at the World Forum for Democracy
The winner of Animate Europe 2015 36 Education 37
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Invitees gather to grab the Of our 19 winners, 15 travelled from all across India to free copy of the book – What attend the launch ceremony in New Delhi, sharing their does it mean to be a Liberal joy and excitement with well over one hundred well-wis- in India – at the launch event hers. Adding to the festive atmosphere were the tunes of in New Delhi. Yusuf Khan and team, a folklore music band from Rajas- tan. In his introduction, Dr Meinardus, the book’s editor, wrote that the essays mirror “the intellectual ingenuity and power of young Indians who aspire for more freedom for themselves, and importantly also their community and their nation”.
While the jury members agreed that all of the authors were winners, they also awarded a first prize. This special distinction went to 19-year-old Kalyaani Subbiah from Chennai for her essay “Sexual liberalism in the Indian Society”. “A strong rising liberal community may shape Subbiah’s impressive piece of political commentary ends with a note of optimism: she concludes by writing that public opinion until the liberal figure may in India, “a strong rising liberal community may shape public opinion until the liberal figure may transform from transform from troublemaker to revolutionary.” troublemaker to revolutionary”. Who is a liberal in India? And what does it mean to be The Foundation and its partners are discussing additional a liberal in the biggest democracy on earth? To answer book launches in other cities. these questions, we decided to ask young Indians themselves. Thus was born the idea of an essay writing competition.
Our partners in this ambitious project were India’s top free market think-tank, the Centre for Civil Society (CCS), and Students for Liberty, a student organisation. The programme culminated in the eagerly anticipated an- nouncement of the winners and the formal launch of a book in New Delhi. But a lot happened before we got to From troublemakers to that point: at the centre of the judging process stood a group of eminent Indian jury members who – assisted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom’s (FNF) regional director, Dr Ronald Meinardus – read almost liberal revolutionaries? 400 submissions and, in a transparent, multi-staged procedure, selected the 19 essays they deemed worthy Celebrating the young of distinction. The judges asked not to be mentioned in the book so as not to divert attention from the young authors, but they deserve a mention here. They are Pramit Chaudhuri, winners of our essay writing foreign editor of The Hindustan Times; Chaksu Roy, who Dr Ronald Meinardus and Nupur Hasija heads the outreach team at PRS Legislative Research; join Kalyani Subbiah – the winner of the Dr Parth Shah, president of the CCS; and Prof. Anup essay writing competition – at the book competition Surendranath of the National Law University New Delhi. launch event in New Delhi. 38 Social market economy 39
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The Foundation is an important ally 40 Social market economy 41
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The 6th annual Forbes Business Awards ceremony For the 27th year running, the Foundation, together with In 2016 alone, the Foundation hosted a countrywide series At the above-mentioned Forbes Business Awards in Ja- proved to be full of surprises for the team of the Friedrich its many partners, has been closely involved in improving of youth seminars on self-employment and entrepreneur- nuary, the director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Naumann Foundation in south-eastern Europe, who the economic environment in Bulgaria by promoting gre- ship in eleven cities across Bulgaria, in which around 750 for Freedom’s office in south-eastern Europe, Daniel Kad- received a special award for their contribution to econo- ater freedom, less bureaucracy, and less corruption. The young people took part. The focus of the events was not dik, addressed the audience: “There are many challenges mic freedom in Bulgaria. The glittering event, held on 23th many public events and consulting sessions organised only to give practical advice to young people on how to in Bulgaria, which do not make our life easy. But I see January 2017, recognised and rewarded the business annually in these core fields are increasingly popular and take the first steps towards economic independence and so much potential in this hall – so many great people. excellence of twenty-four companies in eight categories. are enjoying increasing recognition from business people, self-reliance, but also to emphasise why these matters During a recent visit to Germany, I was once again policy-makers, and society at large. Empowerment and are so important. In this regard, the personal examples of reminded of how much potential there is in Bulgaria when “The Foundation is an important ally for us in Bulgaria – networking projects for women and young entrepreneurs entrepreneurs who have climbed the ladder of success I bought a Roo’bar snack at a DM drugstore. Let us work not just for Forbes Magazine itself but also for entre- are particularly important because they contribute to despite the often grim conditions in the country are of together, let us work for Bulgaria: because I believe it is preneurs and all those who strive for a free market visible changes. Last year, in collaboration with Forbes utmost importance for inspiring young people. worth the effort.” economy,” said Jordan Mateev, editor-in-chief of Forbes Magazine, the Foundation organised the award-giving Bulgaria, while announcing the special award. “This is ceremony for the “30 under 30” prize for young entrepre- why the Forbes team decided to recognise the Friedrich neurs. The aim of this award is to promote the exchange Naumann Foundation with a special prize for its work.” of best practices and to show that business success is indeed possible. “The Foundation is an important ally for us in Bulgaria – not just for Forbes Magazine itself but also for entrepreneurs and all those who Special award for strive for a free market economy.” contributions to economic freedom presented to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Bulgaria
The team of FNF Bulgaria 42 Social market economy 43
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Nixon with one of his clients
Of kings and peanut butter producers How the Foundation helps boost the incomes “In projects such as this one, which aims to of Kenyan entrepreneurs strengthen entrepreneurship, such traditional prejudices still have to be fought.”
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation is implementing “Ann’s Peanut Butter” I would like to buy more land and plant more products to a project to help improve food security in Kenya. The sell on the local market. For this I’d have to employ staff initiative, which forms part of the special “A world without Hanna, one of the most successful participants in the to take over some of the work I’m doing. I hope that one hunger” campaign of Germany’s Federal Ministry for project, welcomed us to her house. It is not only her day, my peanut butter will be sold on supermarket shel- Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is being home and that of her children, but also the place where ves in Johannesburg!” carried out in Kakamega County and involves working she makes her legendary peanut butter, which has made with 37 small-scale farmers as well as training them. her known in broader circles. Hanna proudly shows me a Nixon Opingo’s dairy shop plaque reading: First Prize at the IREN Food Expo 2015. James Shikwati, director of the Inter Region Economic “You cannot imagine how much this award changed “After completing my studies of food technology, I applied Network (IREN), a long-standing partner of the Foun- my life”, said Hanna. She responded to my questions to all of the large food companies – but in vain. That was dation, explains that entrepreneurs are referred to as by telling me about how she started producing peanut when I decided to open my own small business,” said “obukhala” in the local language. Translated, this means butter a few years earlier. Nixon after I’d asked him how he ended up starting his “someone who cheats or short-changes you”. “In projects own company. “One day I was approached by some IREN such as this one, which aims to strengthen entrepre- “At first I was simply making some peanut butter for my staff members who told me about their project. I thought neurship, such traditional prejudices still have to be children and their friends as a snack. Later the neigh- it couldn’t do any harm to take part in one of the IREN fought”, added Shikwati. bours came and asked me if I could make some peanut courses.” Since then, Nixon has participated in many butter for them because their children liked it so much. workshops covering topics such as packaging technolo- That was when I started producing for the neighbour- gy, customer service, quality assurance and bookkeeping. The first prize at the IREN Food Expo 2015 hood and the local market. One day IREN contacted me “There are now about 50 farmers from the region sup- for her peanut butter changed Hanna’s life. and suggested that I join their programme for entre- plying me, but there’s high demand and sometimes the preneurs. The food expo and radio show to which IREN milk is already sold out by midday.” Nixon, too, is already invited me made my sales shoot up. Today, my peanut making plans for the future. “Milk is a highly sensitive butter is being sold as far afield as Nairobi.” Hanna has product with a short shelf life. A pasteuriser would be already made plans for the future: “I’ve used the money I really useful, but currently I don’t have the funds for it and earned selling peanut butter to buy a plot of land where would need to take out a loan.” IREN staff undertook to I’ve planted maize for the family. get in touch with Nixon soon to discuss various funding and growth options. 44 Social market economy 45
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“We train people like Hanna and Nixon by teaching them In terms of communication, the situation takes a bit of This makes it possible for them to promote our activities entrepreneurial skills in our workshops, which help them getting used to because nobody is allowed to hear the to their followers, which imbues the work with higher grow their companies. As a direct result, the number of king’s voice. The king therefore whispers everything he status because it has been promoted and endorsed by farmers supplying raw product – such as peanuts, milk wants to say to an “assistant” who functions as a kind the church or the king, respectively. Second, it helps pro- or other products – increases, as do the farmers’ incomes. of speaking tube. The purpose of the meeting was the tect us against state intervention. Not all politicians like This is where property rights start becoming important. signing of a memorandum of understanding between to see us helping people build something up for themsel- The Foundation’s project is also intended to support IREN and the kingdom, in which the parties agreed to ves and insisting on their rights - because it means that farmers in creating and enforcing their property rights, cooperate in the fields of culture and business. There they become less dependent on state favours. Ensuring thereby giving them legal certainty as a prerequisite was a strong media presence and so I was only able to we have the church and the king on our side – two actors for more investments. Addressing this topic makes no ask James my pressing question a while later: what is with high reputation and influence – makes it more likely sense while people have nothing to lose. Generally, it is the connection between the king and our project? that the state will hold back on creating obstacles for only once people have built something worth defending “It is important to have the big players on your side”, said the project.” All three are contributing to food security that they insist on their property rights and defend them James. “For the same reason, we have already signed a in Kenya. It is a special pleasure and honour for the Harvesting peanuts against outside interference. memorandum of understanding with the local diocese. Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom to be able This provides several benefits. First, the church and the to support them. The influence of the king king have enormous authority in the rural areas.
The Wanga kingdom can look back on centuries-old tradition and is the most influential kingdom in western Kenya. In these regions, the king’s word continues to be imbued with authority and influence. It was therefore a special honour when the king agreed to meet with us.
“In these regions, the king’s word continues to be imbued with authority and influence.”
The IREN banner 46 International politics 47
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Adiós, populists 48 International politics 49
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People in the region are beset by supply bottlenecks and He planned to give himself the opportunity of a fourth inflation, domestic companies are internationally uncom- presidential candidacy by means of a referendum, but Trend reversal in Latin America? petitive, and corruption scandals rock governments. the Bolivians stopped him. Corruption cases and an affair with a businesswoman created a stir and influenced the Adiós, populists Different countries, similar situations election result. Venezuela is the sorry leader of the pack, with inflation Corruption and nepotism drove citizens to take running at around 200 percent, dramatic shortages of to the streets. medicines and groceries, and extreme levels of crime. Not surprisingly, Venezuelans rejected President Maduro Catastrophic government performance, in addition to when an opposition alliance won the parliamentary corruption and nepotism, are driving citizens to take to Despite the diversity of Latin America’s countries, political elections with a two-thirds majority. A similar situation the streets. Guatemala’s right-wing conservative presi- developments in the region have certain features in com- presents itself in Argentina: Mauricio Macri, opposition dent, General Otto Pérez, was also made to experience mon. Concepts such as free markets, globalisation and candidate and former mayor of Buenos Aires, won the the citizens’ anger. After a corruption case involving MPs free trade were widely criticised. And although liberali- presidential and parliamentary elections. Argentines fed and cabinet members, and weeks of demonstrations, he sation and integration into global supply chains brought up with an inflation rate of about 30 percent, supply and the vice president, Ingrid Roxana Baldetti, ended up growth and reduced poverty, inequalities remained. State bottlenecks and the pervasive nepotism of “Kirchnerismo” being forced to resign – and in custody. The winner of the monopolies were privatised, but government-linked elites voted the Peronists, a fixture in the country’s politics, election, conservative Jimmy Morales, will now have to benefited disproportionately by interpreting the “market out of power. show whether he is able to implement different policies. economy” to mean their personal business interests. Throughout the region, citizens have voted rundown Furthermore, the global financial crisis of 2007/2008 In Brazil, former President Lula was implicated in the governments out of power. They voted for a better future, displaced market-oriented ideas; instead, populists Petrobras corruption scandal. His successor, Dilma Rous- rule of law and clean politics – but not for any specific Birgit Lamm promised to rein in “unrestrained market excesses” and seff, planned to give him a ministerial post to protect him political project. is the head of the Friedrich Naumann combat poverty. Left-wing governments came to power from investigation, but Brazilians decided they had had Foundation for Freedom’s regional office and opted for market interventions, market foreclosure enough. She was impeached and removed from office, The new politicians are now tasked with living up to their for Latin America, based in Mexico City. and social subsidies. High commodity prices allowed the while the populace took to the streets in opposition to expectations. Or, as an Argentine member of parliament governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and nepotism and corruption. Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales, put it: “We are condemned to be successful. All of Latin Venezuela to pursue these policies for a time, but falling representative of the country’s indigenous population, America is watching us. If our reform policies fail, prices made the subsidies unsustainable. is also under fire. the consequences will be grave for the entire region.”
Catastrophic government performance, in addition to corruption and nepotism, are driving citizens to take to the streets.
Find out more about our work here:
fnst.org/content/ latinamerica 50 International politics 51
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American voters made history and caused a huge upset establishment. The election campaign, devoid of issues, when they elected Donald Trump, the ultimate outsider, was dominated by personal attacks and insults from A populist wins the as 45th president of the United States – the first time both political camps. In the end this meant that voters ever that a candidate with no military experience, did not vote for their candidate’s vision of the future. who had never held elected office, was voted into the Instead they chose what in their eyes was the lesser US presidential elections White House. evil to prevent the greater one. Clearly, in the view of most voters, Hillary Clinton was not what they wanted. An unusual election campaign, an unusual They preferred the unloved outsider over the unloved Trump triumphs election result establishment candidate. We look back on an extraordinary election campaign. Trump confounded expectations in the swing states With Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the two major parties picked the two most unpopular candidates in In the end Donald Trump managed to get his core support American history for their presidential campaigns. base – primarily white men from the lower middle class – From the outset, the campaign was unusual: in surveys, to vote in overwhelming numbers. He achieved what the majority of American voters said that they were most experts considered impossible. Trump himself had dissatisfied with the economic and political direction in been saying for weeks that that was how he was going to which the country was heading. Voters’ dissatisfaction win the elections. Hillary Clinton did not manage to achieve with the status quo plainly helped the Republican the important victories she needed in the swing states, candidate, Donald Trump, to win a majority in the even though she had a significant lead in the polls leading electoral college. up to voting day. Surprisingly, Hillary Clinton also lost in states considered to be solidly Democrat, something no As in the primaries, this dissatisfaction gave Trump the expert had expected. Not even her slick and professional support he needed to storm into the White House. Voters election machine managed to get her supporters to come Pollsters completely underestimated voters’ anger with wanted a candidate who did not represent the political out in their numbers in the decisive states. In addition to Hillary Clinton, it is the American opinion pollsters who the political establishment. It was precisely this anger were the biggest losers of the election. They had com- pletely underestimated voters’ anger with the political that carried Donald Trump to the White House. establishment. It was precisely this anger that carried Donald Trump to the White House. Along with Trump’s victory, the Republicans also managed to hold on to their slim majority in the Senate.
Trump is leading a divided country
It will be no simple task for him to govern the deeply divided nation. In terms of foreign policy, Trump is an unknown quantity. However, if his actions during the campaign are any indication, transatlantic relationships are headed for rocky straits. 52 International politics 53
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The blue hand: the global human rights logo
In a workshop series organised in collaboration with Exiled journalists are multipliers Berlin’s Tagesspiegel newspaper, journalists from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria and other countries in their communities, and the impact created a special edition of the daily newspaper entitled #jetztschreibenwir (“#ourturntowrite”), published on of their work extends all the way back 14 October with articles and photos by exiled journalists. to their home countries. The result of this exchange between German and exiled Journalists are often the first victims of authoritarianism. journalists was celebrated with a launch party, which led Press freedom and freedom of expression are corner- to a new event series: “Divan”. The International Journalist stones of democratic development, which is why those and Media Dialogue Programme and Tagesspiegel regu- in power fear the watchful eye of the media. As a larly invite Germans and refugees to readings and deba- consequence, journalists in many countries have to flee tes with exiled journalists and their German colleagues. from political persecution and war. Many of them come Topics covered in the events included Syria expert Kristin to Germany. Exiled journalists are multipliers in their Helberg sharing her integration experiences as a German communities, and the impact of their work extends all correspondent in Damascus, and a discussion on humour Media dialogue the way back to their home countries. This is why the and freedom of expression with the Iranian cartoonist International Journalist and Media Dialogue Programme Ahmad Barakizadeh and the German political cartoonist of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom chose Klaus Stuttmann. To enable maximum participation, all with journalists in exile working with exiled journalists as one of its focus areas. events are simultaneously interpreted (Arabic-German). Free Media – Free Minds
A group of Tunisian journalists visited the Federal Press Conference and met the government spokesperson, Steffen Seibert.
In collaboration with “Der Tagesspiegel” in Berlin, a workshop series with exiled journalists – mostly from Syria – was set up to publish a special edition of the newspaper with articles by refugees. 54 International politics 55
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Britain cannot leave Europe any more than Piccadilly But later she felt buyer’s remorse and emotional anti- Each of these chickens came home to roost in Britain’s My own homeland, England, is revealed as a house Circus can leave London. Britain has always been a Eu- pathy, writing in her memoirs of the “quintessentially referendum. The continent’s economic weakness was a divided against itself: London and the rest, rich and poor, ropean country, its fate inextricably intertwined with that un-English outlook” displayed by the European Commu- key argument for leave. The eastward enlargement of the young and old. We will pay the economic price for years of the continent, and it always will be. But it is leaving the nity. This is the Thatcher I saw at a memorable meeting EU in 2004 was followed by a large westward movement to come, yet even worse may be the impact on Europe. European Union. Why? in 1990, with her mental image of the continent in a 1940 of people, and some 2 million of them came to Britain. Le Pen called for a French referendum. Geert Wilders de- timewarp (bad Germany, feeble France) and her smoul- They were joined more recently by those seeking work manded a Dutch one, while the leader of Italy’s Northern If just 3 percent had gone the other way, you would now dering resentment at being out-handbagged by Helmut from euro-torn Greece or Spain. Pressures on public ser- League added: “Now it’s our turn.” Vladimir Putin will be be reading endless articles explaining how it was, after Kohl. And then there is the twilight Thatcher who, accor- vices – and on housing stock in a country that for decades rubbing his hands in glee. But 48% of the people who all, “the economy, stupid”, how British pragmatism finally ding to her biographer Charles Moore, was for Britain has built far too few homes – have been felt acutely by the voted in this referendum were with us. We must do ever- won through, etc. So beware the illusions of retrospective leaving the EU. less well-off. It is a mistake to disqualify such people as ything we can to limit the damage to this country, and to determinism. There is always a mystery in how millions racist. Their concerns are widespread, genuine and not to prevent the England of Nigel Farage and the right-wing of individual voters make up their minds, but history Her legacy has shaped two generations of Eurosceptic be dismissed. Unfortunately, populist xenophobes such extremist, Nick Griffin. If the Brexiteers were to be proved matters more.Britain is in many ways a typical European politicians and journalists. There are three connections: as Nigel Farage exploit these emotions, linking them to right in their blithe promises that Britain can have all the country. When the UK joined the European Economic As their price for supporting German unification, France subterranean English nationalism. Combining and mag- economic advantages of EU membership with none of Community in the early 1970s, this was mainly a res- and Italy pinned Germany down to a timetable for an nifying these discontents is a broader reaction against the the disadvantages, then their French, Dutch and Danish ponse to relative economic and political decline. In 1975, overhasty, ill-designed and overextended European consequences of globalisation and rising inequality. counterparts will surely cry: “I want what they are having.” Margaret Thatcher campaigned for Britain to remain, and monetary union. As a result of their liberation from Soviet So there is a distinct political logic in making Brexit visibly in the 1980s, she pushed through the single market. communist control, many poorer countries in eastern “Take back control” is the British variant of an all-Europe- painful for the UK. And so the two souls in my breast, the Europe were set on a path to EU membership, including an and in some respects all-western phenomenon: the English and European, may now be brought into conflict its core freedom of movement. And 1989 opened the cry of Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders, the nationalist Law with each other. I will cease to be what is loosely called a door to globalisation, with spectacular winners and and Justice party in Poland – and Donald Trump. For me, “European citizen” when the exit negotiation is complete. numerous losers. as a lifelong English European, this is the biggest defeat But just as Britain will always remain a European country, of my political life. so I will, come what may, remain a European.
“The fallout from the referendum vote will pit Timothy Garton Ash the two souls in my breast against each other. The biggest defeat of my How did it come to this?” political life
Timothy Garton Ash is a historian with a particular interest in contemporary European history, as well as a political writer and columnist. He is the winner of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen for 2017. 56 International politics 57
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A lot is at stake for Europe too, at least from a liberal perspective. Britain is an anchor of pragmatic, liberal “The EU, which is needed in the long term, thought and the transatlantic relationships. The Brexit result had only just been announced when France called has to get serious about cleaning up. for the TTIP negotiations with the USA to be ended – an early taste of what is coming, without the weight of These reforms should have been put on Britain in Brussels.
the agenda a long time ago...” In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon is playing a critical role as the pro-European guardian of legitimate interests in the “Celtic belt” of the (still) United Kingdom. At some stage the queen might get involved, once there is even more at play than EU membership, namely the unity of the nation and Britain’s role in the world. Asked how she felt after the Brexit vote, the queen said: “I am still alive.” A wonderful response – and highly political!
The EU is tasked with leaving the window of opportunity open for a reasonable period of time. Above all, there should be no exasperated comments and hasty convents on centralisation in the post-Brexit EU. The EU, which Game over! That’s a succinct way of describing the is needed in the long term, has to get serious about state of affairs after the Brexit vote. The outcome is a cleaning up. These reforms should have been put on Britain and the European Union shambles: the Brexit supporters didn’t have a Brexit plan. the agenda a long time ago: returning competencies to Developments during the days after the vote made this the national, regional and local level in matters affecting apparent. The starting points stated by Boris Johnson communities directly, which have been smothered in have to come to their senses and Angela Merkel in their respective responses are directives from Brussels; and at the same time, closer the only things that are clear: Johnson wants free trade coordination and cooperation in central areas clearly without the free movement of people for Brexit Britain. requiring shared approaches across borders, such as Merkel rejects this on behalf of the EU, because there can economic and fiscal policy, securing the outer borders, Game over be no privileges – much less for countries outside the immigration matters, and foreign and security policy, EU family. including the fight against terrorism. That would be the right way. Ideally with Britain, but without it if necessary. Britain needs time to think. It finds itself in an exceptio- nally difficult situation: on the one hand, its negotiating position is weak. What “threat potential” does a country in a geographical border region, with just 10 percent of the population of the old EU have? Almost 50 percent Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt of its foreign trade is with the EU, while just 15 percent Chairperson of the board of the of the EU’s trade is with Britain. On the other hand, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom United Kingdom is deeply divided into EU supporters and opponents.
Scotland holds a trump card against the Brexit majority: a second referendum on independence, because the Brexit outcome marks a fundamental shift in the context compared to the last referendum in 2014. This may spell the end of the United Kingdom after three centuries of shared history. http://bit.ly/2s0Edex
Professor Karl-Heinz Paqué Deputy chairperson of the board of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
European politics brochure/PDF 58 Taking stock: a liberal perspective 59
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Taking stock: a liberal perspective 60 Taking stock: a liberal perspective 61
Annual Report 2016
The board’s activities Report by the board of trustees in 2016 on committee work in 2016
Not only via our website, freiheit.org, which is a contact In 2016 the members of the Friedrich Naumann Founda- point for interested citizens, but also through our social tion for Freedom’s board of trustees had to bid farewell to media strategy. Our new corporate design has also pro- several members of long standing, who guided our work ved to be more appealing to citizens. With the European and helped build our Foundation over a period of decades: Future Conference, we highlighted our ability to host large our honorary chairperson, former Federal President events to draw attention to our ideas for a liberal and fu- Walter Scheel; Detlef Kleinert; Hildegard Hamm-Brücher; ture-proof Europe. In 2016 we saw that the new strategies and Peter Menke-Glückert. They will be sorely missed. were working. In 2017, we want to become better, faster and more ambitious to get more people excited about In 2016, the board of trustees focused its work on further freedom. developing and consolidating the change processes started in 2014. In its meetings, the board of trustees What’s next for the Foundation, where do you see it took further financial and organisational decisions aimed in the future? at securing its chosen path. In addition, the members of the board of trustees advised on various positions of the The Foundation has embarked on a path of renewal, the Foundation, including on matters such as the future of first stage of which will be completed in 2017. But we the European Union and integration. Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt Professor Jürgen Morlok want more. We are committed to making our Foundation Chairperson of the board of the Chairperson of the board of trustees of the the avant-garde of intellectual development and defense We thank our guest speakers for their valuable input on Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom of the free, liberal society. We want to get citizens excited the traditional evening meetings ahead of the board of about freedom: not just a small minority, but the main- trustees’ sessions: stream of society. So we are going to build up our intel- Mr Gerhardt, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for lectual capacity, build even stronger ties with like-minded Michael Georg Link, director of the Office for Democratic Freedom has been working on reinventing itself partners, create networks of freedom, and optimise our Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) at the Organi- in the past few years. Has it finished its repositioning? digital communication channels to reach many more sation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) The board of trustees: people. Internationally, too, the Foundation has to presented the OSCE’s work. The world is constantly changing, so the Foundation become first port of call for liberals who want to meet, Chairperson: has to continuously reinvent itself as well. We’re obser- develop new ideas and promote international understan- Hans van Baalen, member of the European Parliament Professor Jürgen Morlok ving freedom under attack not just internationally, with ding, freedom, democracy, and human rights. We have and president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats Honorary chairperson: increasing pressure on democracy, rule of law, freedom a long road ahead of us before we reach these goals. for Europe group, and a member of the Foundation’s Walter Scheel † of expression and human rights, but in Germany too, But we’ve already made some progress and it is a plea- board of trustees from 2017, spoke about the challenges Deputy chairpersons: with a rising number of attacks on these values from sure to see how the Foundation’s committee members, confronting the EU following Brexit. Professor Ludwig Theodor Heuss, Liane Knüppel post-factual quarters. Our fight for freedom matters more staff and friends are addressing these challenges with Further members: than ever, and the Foundation is being challenged more energy, commitment and also enjoyment. Michael Theurer, member of the European Parliament, Christel Augenstein, Hinrich Enderlein, than ever before. spoke about the impact of the election of Donald Trump Richard Fudickar, Professor Helmut Haussmann, as US president and challenges in European politics Dr Peter Jeutter, Detlef Kleinert †, Karl-Ulrich Kuhlo, What has changed during the past year? The board: in 2017. Alexander Graf Lambsdorff MEP, Heinz Lanfermann (until 31 Dec 2016), In 2016 we continued working on our themes, namely Chairperson: As provided for in the 2014 amendment to the Articles Christian Lindner MSP, Michael Georg Link, the social market economy, the digital and open society, Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt of Association, the board of trustees reached its new Dr Anita Maaß, Gisela Piltz, Walter Rasch, and international politics and best education, including Deputy chairperson: size of 21 members from 31 December 2016. To all the Dr Horst Rehberger (until 31 Dec 2016), with new partners. To communicate our themes we are Professor Karl-Heinz Paqué colleagues who left the board of trustees at the end Hermann Rind (until 31 Dec 2016), addressing our target groups in new ways and using new Treasurer: of 2016, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for their Dr Fritz Schaumann †, forms of digital communication. Manfred Richter valuable services to the Foundation. Renate Schneider (until 31 Dec 2016), Further members: Dr Hermann Otto Solms, Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, Professor Thomas Straubhaar, Dr Wolf-Dieter Zumpfort Ruth Wagner, Joachim Werren 62 Taking stock: a liberal perspective 63
Annual Report 2016
On the self-conception of the political foundations
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Hanns Seidel Foundation, Heinrich Böll Foundation and Rosa Luxemburg Foundation have worked together to formulate their common self-conception.
Their joint declaration simultaneously serves as a posi- Ò to promote arts and culture through events, tion statement, a commitment, and public information. bursaries, and the maintenance and preservation The declaration in summary: of cultural works; Ò to support efforts aimed at promoting European The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Friedrich Ebert unification and international understanding through Foundation, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, information and international encounters; Hanns Seidel Foundation, Heinrich Böll Foundation and Ò to support development policy through programmes Rosa Luxemburg Foundation are the German political and projects aimed at building democratic, free and foundations which maintain close ties to the following constitutional structures which are committed parties, respectively: the Christian Democratic Union of to human and civil rights. Germany (CDU), the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Christian The self-conception of the political foundations inclu- Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), the federal Green Party des applying resources where they create the biggest (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) and The Left party (Die Linke). impact, and accounting for the use of resources publicly. Informing the public about activities and spending is a The purpose of their activities, as defined in their respec- voluntary undertaking of the political foundations and tive articles of association, is to help shape the future of strengthens public trust in their work. It is not least for Engaged in political dialogue our polity. More specifically, the aim of their socio-political this reason that the political foundations agreed to im- and democratic education activities, information and plement the recommendations made by the commission political consulting in Germany and abroad – which all of independent experts appointed by the federal presi- rest on the principles of a free and democratic order and dent, rather than waiting for a law to be passed. In their in over 60 countries worldwide are based on the values of solidarity, subsidiarity and joint declaration, the political foundations explain their mutual tolerance – is: self-conception with particular reference to the public funding of their work, and public accountability. Ò to use political education to encourage citizens to engage with political questions and participate in A Albania · Algeria · Argentina · Armenia · Austria · Azerbaijan B Bangladesh · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia-Herzegovina · political processes; Bhutan · Brazi · Bulgaria C Cambodia · Canada · Costa Rica · Côte d’Ivoire · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic Ò to promote science, policy research and consulting D Denmark E Egypt · Estonia F Finland · France G Georgia · Germany · Greece · Guatemala H Honduras · Hungary · to develop principles of political action, and to deepen I India · Indonesia · Ireland · Israel and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories · Italy J Jordan K Kazakhstan · Kenya · dialogue and knowledge exchange between research, Kosovo · Kyrgyzstan L Latvia · Lebanon · Libya · Lithuania · Luxembourg M Malaysia · Mali · Malta · Morocco · politics, government and business; Macedonia · Mexico · Moldavia · Montenegro · Myanmar N Nepal · Nicaragua · Netherlands · North Korea P Pakistan · Ò to study the historical development of parties and of Paraguay · Philippines · Poland · Portugal R Romania · Russia S Sweden · Senegal · Serbia · Spain · Slovenia · Slovak political and social movements; Republic · Sri Lanka · South Africa · South Korea · Syria T Tadjikistan · Tanzania · Thailand · Tunisia · Turkey U Ukraine · Ò to use bursaries and extra-curricular programmes United States of America · Uzbekistan · United Kingdom V Vietnam Z Zimbabwe to support the scientific education and training of talented young people; The regional offices of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Germany Berlin · Potsdam · Gummersbach · Hanover · Lübeck · Halle · Munich · Stuttgart · Wiesbaden 64 Taking stock: a liberal perspective
Annual Report 2016
Thank you to our benefactors, donors and sponsors
Your support helps us make a difference! Your donations allow us to grow the private funding of the Foundation’s activities. It is only by increasing the private share of funding that we can become more independent from public grants, and thereby more independent in our work. For this, we thank you sincerely.
Support the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom by contributing to our endowment fund as a benefactor, or with a one-off donation to fund our activities. Contributing to our endowment fund has a lasting impact: all of the interest generated by the endowment helps fund our tasks in perpetuity, as defined in our articles of association. A donation has a one-off effect and contributes directly to funding activities. Decide for yourself whether you would like to support the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom as a benefactor or as a donor, thereby making a contribution to the polity. In both cases we will provide a tax-deductible donation receipt. Please contact us for more information.
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Responsible party Boris Eichler Head of communications
Editors Benita Dill Johanna Gabriel Johannes Issmer Katharina Concu
Press contact Doris Bergmann [email protected]
Production Martina Schäfer Franziska Brunsch COMDOK GmbH
Design kopf-an-koepfe.de Annual Report 2016 Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Annual Report 2016 Annual Report