Walter Schwimmer: Populist discourse is a losing strategy

From a speech by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to the European-Atlantic Group

Responding to the growing influence of Europe's populist parties, which cater to prejudice and benefit from fear, mainstream politicians are increasingly adopting the populist discourse and policies.

This is a losing strategy. Populism is the ideological equivalent of junk food - easily absorbed, addictive and bad for everyone's health. Faced with the bad eating habits of their citizens, responsible governments devise strategies to promote better diet; they do not start serving hamburgers in school cafeterias and hospitals. There is no reason to act differently when it comes to politics. Instead of trying to beat populists at their own game, we should offer alternatives that take into account our citizens' concerns, without distorting the reality.

We are following closely the proposed changes to the UK legislation on asylum-seekers, particularly those concerning family benefits and legal assistance. I would hope that the UK government will take full account of international law, including its obligations as member of the Council of Europe. Managing migration is important, but this should not be done at the expense of human rights and international humanitarian law. This was also the message of the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, who recently criticised the EU's approach to common asylum policy.

In meeting the new challenges of the 21st century, human rights are still an asset, not a liability. This is what the Council of Europe has been doing in recent years. Its mandate - to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law - has not changed. Countries join the Council of Europe because they want to do so. Our members are not asked to comply with someone else's rules, they are merely reminded of their own promises. But we expect everyone to honour their word.