The New Promise of Happiness Current State of the Discussion on the Future of European Social Democracy

This article aims to present a first interim report on the debate on the future of European social democracy by summarizing the explanations of the disastrous election results and identifying the lessons learnt. A party's electoral success depends on the harmonious composition of narrative, leadership, scope of action, performance record, partnerships, and strategies on Europe and globalization. The new social democratic narrative should give convincing answers to the socio-economic, cultural, and political uncertainty that many voters perceive as a threat. Politics must be restored as a credible and tangible instrument for the positive transformation of social life. Adapted from the source document.