SFP’s Party President and Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz attended the ALDE Party Congress in Brussels last weekend, together with a delegation from the Swedish People’s Party. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) is SFP’s European party.
“It is important for liberal forces to get together and exchange ideas. In a political climate where the rule of law and democratic structures are under threat in many countries, dialogue and collaboration are needed more than ever. With our everyday politics becoming polarised and parties on both sides sliding increasingly towards the extremes, liberal parties offer a forward-looking alternative,” says Adlercreutz.
During the congress, SFP’s motion for A Stronger Internal Market for Europe’s Defence Industry was widely supported and approved. The objective of the motion is to improve Europe’s security and defence cooperation.
Adlercreutz also led a workshop under the theme of Learning to Disconnect: The Benefits of Phone-Free Classrooms, presenting Finland’s new legislation banning phones in schools. Attendees were interested in hearing how the law had been received and how schools had put it into practice.
“We have already had reports of students finding it easier to focus when their phones are not fighting for their attention span. At the same time, there is more dialogue and cooperation in the classroom. It is not only about peace and quiet but also about reinforcing togetherness and community. It is nice to see Finnish legislation being quite uniquely received in Europe. Many countries are now following our example,” Adlercreutz says.
