Rather than defining political systems along left-right categories, we analyse society increasingly in terms of open vs. closed, cosmopolitan vs. nationalist. The Brexit vote in 2016, the election of Donald Trump in 2017 and fragmented parliaments around Europe have led to an erosion of the established political party system ‘Western style’.

Established political parties are fighting for survival, are challenged to adapt to changing societies and new social and political realities force them to re-think their ways of politics and engagement.

European Liberals invite you to the book launch of ‘The Great Class Shift – How new social class structures are redefining Western politics’ with the author Thibault Muzergues and ALDE Party Vice President and Deputy Leader of the Renew Europe Group, Spanish MEP Luis Garicano.

With the author we will discuss the impact of changing social classes on the political reality and pay special attention how Liberals, established parties and emerging movements alike, adapt to the new reality and shape good governance, the rule of law and an open society for the Europe of tomorrow.

Programme:

Tuesday 21 January 2020

18h           Welcome
18.15h      Introduction by Philipp Hansen, ALDE Party Head of Policy, Strategy &
                 Capacity Development Unit
                 Presentation of ‘The Great Class Shift’ by author Thibault Muzergues
                 Comments by Luis Garicano MEP, ALDE Party Vice President
                 Discussion
19.30h      Reception