"Mum and dad belong to us on Sunday" - European online campaign wants to save the work-free Sunday.
 
Strasbourg - Launching the first European Citizens´ Initiative, MEP Martin Kastler (EPP-CSU) aspires to protect Sunday as a day of rest in all of Europe. On February 10, he therefore presented the online campaign platform "Mum and Dad belong to us on Sunday" in the European Parliament at Strasbourg.

Recently, the European Commission finished the consultation process concerning the implementation details of the European Citizens' Initiative. Kastler emphasizes: "This is the right time to show, that as European citizens, we want to involve ourselves not only through European elections but also in other ways." Therefore, he urges the Commission to proceed quickly with the regulation of the European Citizens' Initiative.

Daring more democracy

Kastler is convinced: "This initiative will strengthen direct democracy in the European Union". Furthermore, he states: "Thanks to the Lisbon treaty and the introduction of the European Citizens´ Initiative, we as European citizens for the first time get the opportunity to stand up for our concerns. We want to use this opportunity to ensure a free Sunday."

As of now, supporters can register at www.free-sunday.eu. Kastler invites: "Everyone, who is convinced that a free Sunday and direct democracy matter, should register now". According to the MEP, citizens must be more directly involved in democracy. Kastler hopes: "Until the official start, the campaign should build up huge public pressure. Like this, nobody will be able to ignore us anymore.

Sunday is a family day

For the 35 year old deputy, Sunday belongs to Europe: "The work-free Sunday is part of our European culture. We need time for our families and relationships, for civil society and religion. A life full of working days is unlikely to be fulfilling."

The family father with two children refers to the importance of free Sundays for children: "On Sundays, parents are there for their children and children are there for their parents". Following a former German labour union motto, Kastler chose the campaign slogan "Mum and Dad belong to us on Sunday".  Especially with regard to the ageing population, Kastler asks for a European Child Strategy: "Europe should be the most child-friendly region in the world."

One year ago, Kastler and four other European deputies from different countries introduced a written declaration on the protection of a work-free Sunday in Europe (No. 009/2009) to the European parliament. Even though the required quote of more than 50 per cent of the MEPs was missed, still 261 deputies signed the declaration.

Good success perspectives

Kastler predicts great success perspectives for his new initiative: "People from different political and social backgrounds can rally behind Sunday protection. Therefore, every single person and organization all over Europe is welcome to support the first European Citizens´ initiative", he emphasizes.