Center for Democracy Dialogue hosts seminar on 'Social Democracy'

The Center for Democracy Dialogue (CDD), a think-tank based in Kathmandu, has hosted a seminar on the topic 'Social Democracy' in the federal capital.

Organized at King's College in Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Security and Strategic Affairs Expert Geja Sharma Wagle delivered a power-point presentation on the topic 'Social Democracy in the Context of Nepal.'

Presenting his views on the topic, Mr Wagle claimed that 'Social Democracy' is the best political philosophy among other democratic philosophies in the world. "It is people-orientated, liberal and advanced," said Wagle.

He described "Social Democracy" as economically progressive, socially and culturally pluralistic, and politically centrist. "It is economically progressive, socially and culturally pluralistic, and politically centrist," argued Wagle.

In the 18th century, German political thinkers and political scientists such as August Bebel, Eduard Bernstein, and Wilhelm Liebknecht had theorized social democracy. Wagle said social democracy is a liberal democratic political ideology which has been adopted by Social Democratic Party of Germany, the Labor Party of the United Kingdom and the Finnish Social Democratic Party.

"This political philosophy advocates for liberalism, pluralism, individual freedom, independent judiciary, accountability for the citizens, press freedom, freedom of expression, social justice and social security," said Wagle.

Wagle went on  to say that not a single party in Nepal is truly social democratic. "So far, no party in Nepal is social democratic. On the eve of the 14th General Convention, General Secretary Gagan Thapa had proposed to transform Nepali Congress into a social democratic party, but so far, there has been no serious theoretical-ideological debate on this matter within Nepali Congress," said Wagle.

He said that Thapa's concept of social democracy is not different from BP Koirala's, but a simply a complement to it. "It is updated, timely, egalitarian and advocates for social justice, mixed economic policy, inclusivity, liberal economy, equity, capitalism, pluralism, individual freedom," said Wagle.

He further argued that the dogmatic nature of communist parties prevented them from evolving, which ultimately led to their historical decline.

Social democracy rejects the state-controlled economy of communism in favor of a regulated market economy that combines private enterprise with strong social protections. Some critiques have argued that the economic growth stagnated in Nepal due to the presence of socialist parties.

Intellectuals from various fields including Bhavuk Raj Neupane, who participated in the seminar, had commented on the power point presentation by Wagle. Presenting his comments, Dr Rudra Sharma said that Nepali Congress is at times seen as the center to the right and sometimes as the center to the left and so was late BP Koirala. Koirala was seen sometimes the center to the right and at times he was seen the center to the left. He further commented that most of Nepali Congress leaders fear of calling themselves as "capitalists."

Likewise, senior journalist and media practitioner Taranath Dahal said, "It is difficult to distinguish between democratic socialism and social democracy." He further claimed that BP Koirala was the center to the left and added that democratic socialism was first inserted in the party statute of Nepali Congress through the general convention held in Birgunj in 2032 BS by Subarna Shamsher Rana.

The program which lasted for around two hours had been moderated by Mr Rudra Kangangwa. Moderating the program Kandangwa said Nepali Congress, the only Democratic Party in the country, has always oscillated between the ideologies of "Democratic Socialism' and 'Social Democracy."

"Since its very inception, the CDD has been holding these kinds of discourses to establish consistency in political ideology of Nepali Congress and avoid ideological inconsistency," said Kandangwa. "We will continue to organize such intellectual discourses on political ideology in the future, too."