Serious question. It is argued that one should not talk about immigration. What does that mean? If one is not for open borders, then one is for some criteria to limit immigration. Are you then adapting to the agenda from the far-right?

But maybe we want morally “clean” center-left parties, and not parties that has support enough to govern? @tabouchadi.bsky.social @casmudde.bsky.social

To push a purely progressive agenda for the center-left, will change these parties to social-liberal parties with a max potential (I would guess) on around 15%. If the left were to once again gain government power (as a block), they would likely need a center-left almost twice that size.

The last decades, the center-left have followed a so-called “progressive-agenda” (I am not 100% sure what “progressive” actual means – except more emphasis on cultural issues than economical) in Europe (for example PvdA and SPD) – with not very impressive results. Why?

Combination of high immigration & economic constraints - difficult and dangerous cocktail. Yes, main focus is economical (state, redistributive), but immigration also important. The center-left needs to tackle both at the same time. You will not re-gain broad support if only focus on one of the two.

Three major challenges: 1) economical, 2) cultural (immigration) and 3) fast changes (technologically and socially). Ref immigration – it has without doubt been very high (of good reasons – ref UA). In 2022, about 5,2 mill non-EU citizens came to the EU. In 2014, about 2,2 mill non-EU citizens came

Thanks @catherinedevries.bsky.social. I agree with main points/narrative. Financial crisis exposed a lack of econ thinking on center left. Only melody was (and is?) conservative fiscal policy or public spending, not how to create value. The left must think “create to share”, not only share (or cut)

I also found the article interesting. But out of curiosity - where do you (and your colleagues) think that the center-left is a success (based on your criteria)? Asking so I can understand what you are in favor of - not only against.

The SPD is following your advices, as far as I can see. I guess you support that Hikel is removed www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/beben...

Pling @casmudde.bsky.social - not (just) a rhetorical question - also a real one. I understand what you are against, but I don't understand what you are for. So I was wondering if you had any good examples the center-left should follow.

Thanks. But ref «Generally, more left-progressive programs increase support among social democratic potentials» - do you have any specific examples of such success?

Thanks - interesting. But what is your suggestion to the center left? Open borders? Follow the great success to the Dutch Labour Party and Timmermans?

And what is your answer @tabouchadi.bsky.social? Open borders? Try the Timmermans success?

And your answer is?

To do nothing on immigration or integration? Become more liberal on both immigration and integration?