Alliance for a Responsible, Plural and United World

World Citizens Assembly
Lille – December 2 to 10, 2001

Thematic Group

REFORM OF THE STATE

Some important lines

Disappearance of the nation state?

Move toward a world without states: no army, no private property, no privatization 

Toward a society of self-management where decisions are taken by Peoples Assemblies and not in the "capitals," nor by the World Bank, the IMF or the World Trade Organization, etc.

More power to regional and local governments, an objective of decentralization

The state must be powerful in order to protect the common good

The state as a builder of solidarity 

The state must eliminate poverty and discrimination

The state must finance the basic services to the advantage of the whole population, and collect taxes for purposes of solidarity

From the producer state (business) to the state as a builder of solidarity: health, education, science, security, culture. By devoting an important proportion of the budget

State policies must be conducted according to the principles of solidarity, equity, and justice

Ensure education for all and fulfillment of basic needs

Develop a socially responsible conscience on the basis of suitable school programs. 

Between the local powers and a world government

Accept the multiple identities of citizens, refuse the domination of the majority over the minorities

Promote global governance by abolishing the right of veto with the support of the unions

More power to the United Nations

Reinforce the powers of United Nations, extend the powers of the Security Council.

Develop a global citizenship thanks to education and to the media.

Institute global laws to defend human rights, compulsory for all states.

Develop regional cooperation before building a global government.

Nationalism must yield to internationalism.

Decentralize and transmit the power of the state.

Transfer political and financial power to local governments

Improve articulations among the different levels of power (national, regional, local)

Use the program of the Alliance to go towards a global government

Democratization of the state

Change the rules of the power game: constitution, major charters, etc.

Privilege the voices of young people.

Forbid all weapons of massive destruction

The state as promoter of a "science of the citizens," which implies giving up the "science of the market" and abandoning the role of so-called fair and loyal regulator. 

States and politicians must be accountable to the people.

Stop corruption and limit the financing of election campaigns.

New models of participation that are more representative of citizens than the political parties.

Priority to the common good rather than to pressure groups.

Abolish all dictatorships and absolute power, devolution of political power to the people.

Elaboration and adaptation of common principles for an electoral system.

Parliamentary meetings open to voters.

Develop systems for controlling politicians.

Toward a participatory democracy for social empowerment and management.

Build the people’s power "from the bottom," "outside of political parties."

Independence of mass media versus the state

Combine the best of the West (science) and the best of the East (intuition)