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Political Principles of the Social Democratic Party (May 1946)

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The Internationalization of Europe

Like socialists in all countries, German Social Democrats advocate national independence, but they are aware that the days when individual states enjoyed unrestricted sovereignty have since passed. Not parts of Germany, but all of Europe must be internationalized.

The goal of German Social Democracy is a United States of Europe – a democratic and socialist confederation of European states. It wants a socialist Germany in a socialist Europe. This is the only way for Europe to achieve solidarity with the peoples of all continents.

Together with socialists in all countries, Social Democrats are waging a battle against all forms of exploitation, imperialism, fascism, reaction, and hegemonic nationalism. Social Democracy is a great history-making force that can secure peace and freedom for all peoples.


Immediate Action

Socialism is no longer a distant goal. It is the task of the day. German Social Democracy calls for an immediate socialist initiative to tackle all the practical problems in the state and the economy.

German Social Democracy is conscious of the magnitude of its tasks. It wants to be nothing more than a party among other parties, but it intends to distinguish itself through the correctness of its insights, the clarity of its policies, and the effectiveness of its measures. Its confidence that its policies will be successfully implemented derives from the fact that today the class interests of German workers are aligned with the necessities of the entire German nation and reflect the understanding and determination of all progressive and liberal-minded people all over the world.



Source: Political Principles of the Social Democratic Party (May 1946); reprinted in Theo Stammen, ed., Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit: westdeutsche Innenpolitik 1945-1955 [Unity and Law and Freedom: West German Domestic Politics 1945-1955]. Munich, 1965, pp. 120-26.

Translation: Adam Blauhut and Thomas Dunlap

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