In his introduction to the topic of youth unemployment Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin stressed that millions of unemployed young people in North Africa should be seen not as a burden, but as a potential motor for economic development of the region. He recalled that the Arab revolutions have begun for two main reasons - the lack of democracy and the lack of social prospects for growing young generation. "To succeed in these revolutions, should be strong on their both feet - along with the development of democracy and its institutions, should be working to develop new social and economic opportunities for the people. Failing that, the faith in democracy quickly will be replaced by frustration and anger.", said Vigenin. 

 

He shared ideas in which direction the left parties in the region should work in order to overcome this problem. "Right-liberal school will say - deregulation, demonopolisation, reducing social security contributions easily firing workers, tax relief for businesses, etc. But as we know, this is a spiral to the bottom. These measures also have their place, but moderate and in combination with other short and long-term policies.” Vigenin proposed focus of social democratic politics to the young people and the promotion of their creativity and entrepreneurship. "Retraining programs for bridge the gap between the needs of business and the received education by the young; facilitating opportunities for starting their own business and self-employment, support of small and medium-sized enterprises, which should be the backbone of the economy and should be those which actually create jobs. Vigenin placed special emphasis of the measures in supporting of employment of young women in the region. "According to the statistics, in the most countries of the region the young women are more educated than the young men. At the same time, a large part of them did not go to the labor market and are forced to take on their traditional role - to stay home and to take care for the children and families."According to Vigenin, “The overcoming this problem and the ensuring of a real equality is possible only if be created necessary systems of social services.”

 

Later in the day will be adopted a declaration and will be officially established Arab Social Democratic Forum, which will build a strong network of progressive forces across the region in coordination with the Party of European Socialists.