''ONE OF US'' CAMPAIGN" "" "
MEP Jaime Mayor Oreja: ”The emergence of rights without responsibilities”
“Our adversary is relativism, that dwells within each one of us, in every social group, in politics, in political parties, in each and every Country. For this reason it is necessary to start anew, promoting a cultural debate set to recover the primary role of the human person.” Jaime Mayor Oreja, Basque from Saint Sebastián, former Cortes member and Spain’s Minister of Interiors (1996-2001), today serves as MEP at the European Parliament, where he committed in various areas, including the protection of the culture of life that encompasses all realms of human existence: the family, education, the workplace, as well as health and the environment. Oreja is a supporter of the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘One of Us’ to ensure that the protection of life is enshrined in all actions and laws adopted by the European Union. Gianni Borsa, for SIR Europe, met him in his office at the European Parliament. ” “Let us start with the citizens’ initiative presented in Strasbourg during its last plenary held at the beginning of July. How has a popular initiative, begun at “grassroots level”, reached an institutional seat? “First of all it’s important to raise public awareness, ensuring citizens’ commitment in an issue of general interest, in which everyone is directly involved. And life is a primary theme. We welcome the fact that the European Parliament has decided to open its doors also to ‘One of Us’. The promoters of the initiative are conducting an important battle with the aim of collecting at least one million signatures. It is an invitation to the European Commission to propose legislation on matters where the EU has competence to legislate. But the signature collection is not enough”. ” “Why?”As the promoters of ‘One of Us’ have pointed out, it is absolutely necessary to equally support an anthropological debate on the dignity of the human person, namely, on the very concept of the human person. These are themes over which a great amount of accurate, in-depth literature is provided by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. Catholics can give a relevant contribution to the debate”.” “Do you believe that the fundamental rights of the human person, starting with the right to life, are being questioned in Europe? “I have noticed the emergence of so-called ‘new rights’, which appear to proceed in the opposite direction of responsibility. This is a reason for concern. Just consider abortion and euthanasia: these are painful decisions, which are subject to interpretation, such as the want of a serious commitment. The concept of responsibility towards others and ourselves is being called into question. At the same time the idea of the human person is being undermined at its very roots. Indeed, it is necessary that reflections focus on the words of freedom and truth, as they can be used with differing intentions”. You said there is the need for a “debate.” Are we ready to address it? “As the debate is not only political, but it also involves the social and cultural realms, major emphasis should be placed on education. A special educational effort is needed with the involvement of families, educational institutions, churches, and public bodies”. ” “Is this true also for Europe?”Efforts should be made by all European countries, with the involvement of Europe as a whole, thereby recovering its founding values along with its historical and spiritual roots”. ” “Speaking about Europe: in May 2014 electors will be called to renew the Parliament in Strasbourg. Are there good reasons to invite citizens to go to the polls? “There are good reasons indeed. The needs of the European Union are beyond discussion. But political parties should present candidates that believe in European integration and that follow the line of highlighting the role of the EU as a tool, so as to respond to the needs of European populations. We’re facing a serious crisis, not only in the economy but also in social and cultural terms. We’re well aware of this. There is the need for strong, common answers that will solve people’s problems. For this reason there is need for individuals who are capable of identifying appropriate political answers and turn them into concrete action. Electing the right people is therefore crucial”.
