Discussion on the State

Gamon / Dönmez / Meister

Paneuropa Discussion on the Role of the State

The clear commitment to the liberal rule of law formed the thematic framework of a discussion event organised by the Paneuropa Movement Austria, titled “On the State – a philosophical-political conversation”, held on Monday, 9 October 2017, in Innsbruck.

Claudia Gamon of the Neos, Efgani Dönmez of Liste Kurz, and Severin Meister, CEO of Constantia Beteiligungs AG and Senior Adviser to the Munich Security Conference, discussed the welfare state, excessive tax burdens, the actual tasks of the state, the question of integration, and European border protection, under the moderation of Rainhard Kloucek, Secretary General of the Paneuropa Movement Austria.

Severin Meister essentially defined the tasks of the state as ensuring internal and external security, an independent judiciary and the rule of law, as well as certain infrastructure responsibilities. In other matters, the state must allow for the free development of citizens and not restrict it through socio-political interventions.

Efgani Dönmez emphasised that the rule of law applies to everyone, regardless of citizenship, and that the welfare state should offer assistance to those who need it, but must not be misused as an excuse for complacency. Freedom simultaneously implies responsibility, yet a perfect state of affairs does not exist.

Claudia Gamon declared herself a convinced liberal, even if ideology is considered ‘uncool’ today. This conviction leads to a clear stance that society cannot be optimised by the state, as individuals cannot be optimised through politics. She countered the tendencies towards increasing state surveillance with citizens’ rights and the right to privacy.

All three panellists expressed a clear commitment to the European Union, and agreed that common border protection must also be improved.

Image, from left: Severin Meister, Claudia Gamon, Efgani Dönmez, Rainhard Kloucek and Johann Hörtnagl (Vice-President of the Paneuropa Movement Austria)

Photo Copyright: Julian Mattle