Latest news with #InternationalInstituteforDemocracyandElectoralAssistance
Euractiv
a day ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Europe should use its mega-deals to turn the democratic malaise
Sam van der Staak is Director for Europe at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Kevin Arceneaux is Director of Sciences Po's Centre for Political Research (CEVIPOF). The European Commission is preparing its Democracy Shield amid overall citizen gloom about democracy. Poll after opinion poll shows that ever fewer people, including young people , support democracy – only about a third of youth according to a recent survey . Support for illiberal populists continues to rise in Europe , while 35% of Gen-Z and millennials lean towards strongman government. This begs the question: Will the EU's Democracy Shield be protecting what citizens relish or what they reject? As is so often the case with surveys, there's more than meets the eye. Research shows that populist-leaning citizens prefer not less but more democracy, albeit a more efficient version of it. When asked if they want strong leaders who listen to ordinary people, it turns out that many of them agree. But they also support seeking consensus with opponents. Such populist voters – about a quarter of Europeans – stand out from the ten percent of authoritarian-leaning Europeans, who equally desire strong leaders but abhor the idea of obeying the average folk. In other words, although populist voters are less satisfied with democracy than mainstream democrats, they are not opposed to it. What they do want is elected leaders to be in control, especially on the economy. And there's the surprise. Over the past months, European leaders have made unprecedentedly large economic choices. Last week's EU-US trade deal alone includes €700 billion in energy purchases and €550 billion in economic investments. Europe's rearmament plan of last March pumps €800 billion into the security sector. And the EU's new multiyear budget rigorously shifts €410 billion from farmers and regions to innovation and economic competitiveness. If ever in its eighty-year existence Europe was being decisive, it is now. Still, citizens feel that politics is a stacked deck where 'There is no choice'. How come? It is because of something social scientists call 'relative deprivation'. When citizens feel their group is worse off than others, and that ordinary people are taken advantage of by a corrupt elite, they open up to populist leaders. This yearning for democratic fairness has little to do with absolute wellbeing. Even when their own prosperity stays unaltered, the mere sense that others gain more provokes a desire for strong leadership with fewer checks and balances. President Von der Leyen knows this. One year ago, she presented her second mandate's political guidelines with the bold title ' Europe's Choice '. Yet, on stage with President Trump in Scotland, she presented their trade deal as merely 'delivering stability and predictability' to Europe. Meanwhile, she depicted her populist opponent as a 'tough negotiator' and 'dealmaker'. Commentators , while acknowledging the outcome was the best Europe could get, reviled the submissive tone and ' Europe's humiliation '. In other words, Europeans did not dislike the deal but hated that Trump won more. Such letdowns risk losing voters for the very cause the EU's trade deal aims to sustain, its arms purchases try to protect, and its Democracy Shield hopes to revive: representative democracy. To reverse this sense of malaise, Europe should show citizens that democracy delivers, and that there is, in fact, a choice. The EU previously tried through citizen panels in its Conference on the Future of Europe. But reviving trust in democracy is not just about placing citizens in the driving seat. Most people want to know that there is an able driver at the steering wheel. The European Democracy Shield can help. First, by providing better democratic information. It can systematically collect citizen views on democracy in all member states, to inform leaders in making their decisions. Politicians should better understand the democratic expectations of their citizens, as well as the health of their democratic institutions. Second, the Shield could establish continuous leader-citizen communication on the state of democracy, at various political levels and across the twenty-seven member states. An annual pow-wow between EU leaders and the democracy community, backed by all the academic firepower of Europe's top researchers, would help keep EU leaders committed. Restoring trust in democracy is possible but requires more than a communication strategy. Politicians should better know what shapes voter trust. And voters should understand the tough choices leaders make to uphold their democracies. The Democracy Shield can serve that purpose.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
How women political leaders are beating the odds in Eastern & Southern Africa
Progress in women's representation in politics globally has been slow. Women's representation in parliaments in Africa increased by one point from 2021 to 2024, shifting the total from 25% to 26%. 'At this rate, it will take Africa until the year 2100 to achieve gender parity in its parliaments. But this assumes a linear progression, which is unlikely given the fact that generally after countries achieve the 30%-mark, progress slows down,' says Gram Mutenga, Regional Head of Programmes at International IDEA. In November 2024, UN Women and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), supported by the European Union, hosted the WYDE Women's Leadership Initiative regional dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa. The programme brought together more than 50 women political leaders from East and Southern Africa for three days of exchanging ideas, sharing lessons and best practices, and networking. One of the participants, Lioness Sibanda, holds the prominent position of Secretary General of a political party in Eswatini. She is tirelessly fighting for democratic reforms while mentoring the next generation of female leaders: 'Eswatini has deep-rooted cultural and religious practices that still hold to the belief that a woman cannot be in the forefront or stand in front of men and tell them what to do. I have done a lot of work in terms of contributing to the struggle for women's rights in Eswatini, but because I am a woman, I am not taken seriously." Sibanda added that her work as a politician is mainly recognized by leaders of organizations advocating for democratic reform, and it remains challenging to persuade voters about the benefits of electing women into office. Another challenge women political leaders face is violence, which includes tech-facilitated gender-based violence. Sibanda knows this reality well as she reveals that she must constantly be on the lookout for threats to her life. UN Women's data, based on five national surveys across Asia and Arab States, reveals that up to two-thirds of women elected in local government experience violence, yet less than 20% file formal complaints. Reiterating this issue, Hazel Gooding, UN Women Deputy Representative for the South Africa Multi-Country Office said, 'We know that violence against women in politics weakens democracy by silencing voices and deterring future leaders. It is our collective duty to protect them, for instance by enacting and enforcing laws, providing victim support, protection and access to justice, training law enforcement officials, advocating to change minds and social norms.' Betty Milgo, Secretary General for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya's ruling party, is also a teacher and disability rights advocate. Her journey into politics has not been an easy one: "My community is patriarchal and many don't understand the types of disabilities that exist, including albinism," she explains. Milgo emphasized that women politicians urgently need increased visibility and institutional support to promote their participation in politics. For women like Motamma Horatius, a politician from Botswana who also attended the dialogue, the slow progress comes at a high cost. For five years, she was at the helm of one Itumeleng Ward as the Councillor. She recalls one of the biggest challenges she faced in her career as running for office while pregnant. 'I had to wear extra-big dresses to conceal my pregnancy, on the campaign trail to avoid being viewed as a weak link. Culturally, they would say a pregnant woman will not manage. I won primary elections without them knowing that I was pregnant,' says Horatius. Immediately after winning the elections, she gave birth but only took two weeks' leave as media articles scrutinized her absence. 'I gave birth via C-section, and days later, there was already an uproar. 'Where is she? She has abandoned her voters. She cannot serve,' these were some of the statements in the media. Two weeks post-partum, I was on the campaign trail again, this time for the general elections,' she recalls. These experiences shed light on the numerous systemic barriers unique to women politicians and aspiring candidates. These challenges are rooted in deeply ingrained social and cultural norms that dictate certain expectations for women's behaviour and impose restrictions on what they can and cannot achieve. When asked what women political leaders want and need, Horatius, Milgo, and Sibanda shared similar perspectives. They underscored the importance of robust mental health support systems to help navigate the unique pressures of public life, particularly the pervasive violence against women in politics. Equally crucial is the need for comprehensive training and education programs to equip women with the skills and confidence to excel in leadership roles. Building on these insights, participants of the Regional Dialogue identified additional strategies to enhance women's and youth participation in leadership and decision-making. These include providing financial support and fostering economic independence for women and youth candidates, challenging restrictive social norms through education and advocacy campaigns, ensuring balanced media coverage, and amplifying the visibility of female role models. Finally, capacity building through training and mentorship, as provided under the WYDE Women's Leadership initiative, was recognized as essential, alongside addressing intersectional challenges and actively combating violence against women in politics. Only by tackling these barriers collectively can the political landscape evolve to enable and empower women leaders. WYDE | Women's Leadership, funded by the European Union, is a collaborative global effort aimed at advancing women's full and effective political participation and decision-making at all levels, especially those most often left furthest behind. WYDE | Women's Leadership is implemented by UN Women, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), and is part of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement initiative (WYDE), powered by the European Union, which seeks to empower and strengthen the rights, and participation in public and political life of women and youth as key actors of development and change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Euronews
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
No, Trump has not banned Spanish in the US
Some claim that speaking Spanish in the US will earn you a fine or even a prison sentence, as part of a measure known as 'La Ley del Silencio Hispanico', or 'The Law of Hispanic Silence'. ADVERTISEMENT A series of posts on social media allege that President Donald Trump has announced fines and prison sentences for people who speak Spanish in the US. A video published on TikTok says that Trump has completely banned Spanish and that only English can be spoken in the US. It says that people caught speaking Spanish will receive a $5,000 (€4,600) fine or could even end up in prison, and that Trump has threatened to deport anyone who doesn't like the new rules. The video has amassed more than 50,000 likes as of the time of this report, and many other social media posts have similarly alleged that Trump has banned Spanish. Another video on X says that immigrants will be automatically arrested and thrown out of the country or receive a $2,000 fine if they are caught speaking Spanish in public places. It says that the measure is known as "La Ley del Silencio Hispano", or "The Law of Hispanic Silence". The videos have been going round on TikTok and X Euronews However, this is false — there has been no official announcement about a Spanish ban, and no reputable news outlets have reported it as fact. The most likely source of the false claims is the executive order that Trump signed on 1 March, which established English as the official federal language of the US. Up until now, English had been the country's de facto language as the vast majority of residents spoke it. The executive order means that government agencies can choose whether to offer documents and services in languages other than English. It also revokes a policy that obliged these agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers, brought in under President Bill Clinton in 2000. "Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society," according to the order. "In welcoming new Americans, a policy of encouraging the learning and adoption of our national language will make the United States a shared home and empower new citizens to achieve the American dream," the order continues. "Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society." According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, an official language is what is used by the government to conduct official, day-to-day business. Having one or more official languages can help define a nation's character and the cultural identity of those who live in it. ADVERTISEMENT Prioritising one language may place certain people in a position of power and exclude others whose language is not recognised, according to the institute. US English, a group that advocates for making English the official language in the United States, believes having an official language provides a common means of communication, encourages immigrants to learn English to use government services and "defines a much-needed common sense language policy". More than 30 states, from California to New Hampshire, as well as the US Virgin Islands, have already passed laws designating English as their official language, according to US English. Hawaii is the only state to declare two official languages, English and Hawaiian. For decades, lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to designate English as the official language, but those efforts failed. ADVERTISEMENT Regardless, Hispanic advocacy groups have expressed frustration at a separate decision by the White House to take down the Spanish-language version of its website within hours of Trump's inauguration in January. The address leads to an error message. Euronews It has still not been restored as of the time of writing despite assurances from the White House that it would do so. Trump shut down the Spanish version of the website during his first term. It was put back online when President Joe Biden was inaugurated in 2021. The White House did not respond to EuroVerify's repeated requests for information.
Los Angeles Times
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
What Trump's order making English the official language in the U.S. could mean
As President Trump is expected to sign an executive order designating English as the official language of the U.S., activists and advocacy groups are alarmed by what that will mean for non-English speakers when it comes to immigration, voter access and other issues. The order, which was announced Friday, will allow government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue to offer documents and services in languages other than English, according to a fact sheet. The move rescinds a mandate from former President Clinton that required the government and organizations that received federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. Designating English as the national language 'promotes unity, establishes efficiency in government operations, and creates a pathway for civic engagement,' according to the White House. But some activists and organizations think the move is just another way for the president to stoke division and fear. 'This isn't just an offensive gesture that sticks a thumb in the eye of millions of U.S. citizens who speak other languages, but also will directly harm those who have previously relied on language assistance for vital information,' said Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America's Voice, an advocacy group for immigration reform, in an email. According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, an official language is what is used by the government to conduct official, day-to-day business. Having one or more official languages can help define a nation's character and the cultural identity of those who live in it. Prioritizing one language may place certain people in a position of power and exclude others whose language is not recognized, according to the institute. U.S. English, a group that advocates for making English the official language in the United States, believes having an official language provides a common means of communication, encourages immigrants to learn English to use government services and 'defines a much-needed common sense language policy.' Currently there are more than 350 languages spoken in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The most widely spoken languages other than English are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Arabic. People in the U.S. also speak Native North American languages such as Navajo, Yupik, Dakota, Apache, Keres and Cherokee, among others. Anabel Mendoza, the communications director for United We Dream, a nonprofit immigrant advocacy organization, said limiting the language of federal communication will make it harder for people to become citizens if they are denied the ability to speak their native tongue throughout the process. Currently, people of a certain age and residency requirements can qualify for a waiver to do the citizenship test and interview in their native language. 'Trump is trying to send the message that if you're not white, rich and speak English, you don't belong here,' Mendoza said. 'Let me be clear: Immigrants are here to stay. No matter how hard Trump tries, he can't erase us.' The Congressional Hispanic Caucus announced Friday that Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), caucus chair, will deliver, on behalf of Democrats, the official Spanish-language response to Trump's upcoming joint address to Congress. George Carrillo, co-founder and chief executive of the Hispanic Construction Council, said it seems like a step backward in a country that has championed its diversity. He is also concerned how limiting governmental communication might affect U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, where the predominant language is Spanish. 'This executive order, while framed as promoting unity, risks dismantling critical supports like ESL programs and multilingual resources that help immigrants adapt and contribute,' Carrillo said. 'Imagine families navigating healthcare or legal systems without materials in a language they understand; it's a barrier, not a bridge.' APIAVote, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on registering Asian American and Pacific Islander voters, also expressed worry this could mean barriers for millions of voters such as naturalized citizens or elderly residents who aren't English-proficient. 'It will make it harder for them to participate civically and vote, as well as access critical healthcare, economic and education resources,' the group said in a statement. Furthermore, the organization says this action could make anyone who speaks another language a target. 'The exclusionary nature of this policy will only fuel xenophobia and discrimination at a time when anti-Asian hate and hate against other minority and immigrant groups are rising.' More than 30 states, from California to New Hampshire, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands have already passed laws designating English as their official language, according to U.S. English. Hawaii is the only state to declare two official languages, English and Hawaiian. For decades, lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation to designate English as the official language, but those efforts failed. The most recent effort was in 2023, when Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and JD Vance (R-Ohio) introduced the English Language Unity Act. Vance is now vice president. It is estimated that more than 170 countries have an official language, with some having more than one language. Mexico does not have an official language. In Canada the official languages are English and French. According to Canada's Official Languages Act of 1969, the purpose of designating two languages ensures 'the equality of status' and protecting linguistic minorities 'while taking into account the fact that they have different needs.' Figueroa writes for the Associated Press. Figueroa reported from Austin, Texas. AP writers Michelle L. Price in New York and Terry Tang in Phoenix contributed to this report.
Washington Post
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Trump wants to make English the official language of U.S. What does that mean?
President Donald Trump will soon sign an executive order making English the official language of the United States. Once signed, it will be the first time in the country's history the U.S. will have a federally recognized national language. Here's what to know. Beyond designating English as the country's official language, the order will rescind a federal mandate issued by then-President Bill Clinton that required agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide extensive language assistance to non-English speakers, according to a draft White House fact sheet obtained by The Washington Post. While the order will give agencies discretion to keep their current language policies allowing documents and services in other languages, it will encourage 'new Americans to adopt a national language that opens doors to greater opportunities,' the fact sheet states. Beyond designating English as the country's official language, the order will rescind a federal mandate issued by then-President Bill Clinton that required agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide extensive language assistance to non-English speakers, according to a draft White House fact sheet obtained by The Washington Post. While the order will give agencies discretion to keep their current language policies allowing documents and services in other languages, it will encourage 'new Americans to adopt a national language that opens doors to greater opportunities,' the fact sheet states. An official language is the language used by the government to 'conduct official, day-to-day business,' according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. While codifying an official language can help 'define the character of the state and the cultural identity of the people within it,' the Institute warns that doing so may 'place a particular group of people in a position of power' and exclude those whose languages are not recognized. 'The choice of an official language or languages has deep symbolic implications for the state's cultural identity,' the Institute adds. More than 30 states have designated English as the official language. These include California, Colorado, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Hawaii has both English and Hawaiian as official languages, while Alaska has several native languages, as well as English, listed in its 21 official languages. An official language is the language used by the government to 'conduct official, day-to-day business,' according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. While codifying an official language can help 'define the character of the state and the cultural identity of the people within it,' the Institute warns that doing so may 'place a particular group of people in a position of power' and exclude those whose languages are not recognized. 'The choice of an official language or languages has deep symbolic implications for the state's cultural identity,' the Institute adds. More than 30 states have designated English as the official language. These include California, Colorado, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Hawaii has both English and Hawaiian as official languages, while Alaska has several native languages, as well as English, listed in its 21 official languages. The White House fact sheet says the executive order will help foster 'national cohesion' and establish 'efficiency in government operations.' Trump and his allies have also long tied the issue of an official language to immigration. More than 350 languages are spoken in the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau data, but Trump repeatedly voiced concerns while campaigning about migrants coming into the country speaking foreign languages. On the 2016 campaign trail, Trump criticized former Florida governor Jeb Bush — who was running in the GOP presidential primary at the time — for speaking Spanish while campaigning. When asked about his remarks, Trump argued 'this is a country where we speak English, not Spanish.' The Trump administration removed the Spanish-language version of the official White House website within hours of his inauguration last month. However, Republican groups have in recent years invested in Spanish-language messaging, and Trump ran Spanish-language ads during both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles. A number of immigration and voting rights advocacy groups are speaking out against the executive order. Anabel Mendoza, the communications director for the immigration advocacy nonprofit United We Dream, said in a statement that Trump was putting 'a target on the backs of Black and brown immigrants and communities who speak different languages, and we won't tolerate it." 'Trump will try to use this executive order as a crutch to attack schools providing curriculum to immigrant students in other languages, gut programs and roles that help to promote inclusive language access, and embolden immigration agents to single out and harass individuals who speak a certain way,' she said. The White House fact sheet says the executive order will help foster 'national cohesion' and establish 'efficiency in government operations.' Trump and his allies have also long tied the issue of an official language to immigration. More than 350 languages are spoken in the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau data, but Trump repeatedly voiced concerns while campaigning about migrants coming into the country speaking foreign languages. On the 2016 campaign trail, Trump criticized former Florida governor Jeb Bush — who was running in the GOP presidential primary at the time — for speaking Spanish while campaigning. When asked about his remarks, Trump argued 'this is a country where we speak English, not Spanish.' The Trump administration removed the Spanish-language version of the official White House website within hours of his inauguration last month. However, Republican groups have in recent years invested in Spanish-language messaging, and Trump ran Spanish-language ads during both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles. A number of immigration and voting rights advocacy groups are speaking out against the executive order. Anabel Mendoza, the communications director for the immigration advocacy nonprofit United We Dream, said in a statement that Trump was putting 'a target on the backs of Black and brown immigrants and communities who speak different languages, and we won't tolerate it." 'Trump will try to use this executive order as a crutch to attack schools providing curriculum to immigrant students in other languages, gut programs and roles that help to promote inclusive language access, and embolden immigration agents to single out and harass individuals who speak a certain way,' she said. American Community Survey (ACS) data from 2018 to 2022 determined that about 78.3 percent of the nation age 5 and older reported speaking only English at home. ACS data also found that almost 68 million people spoke another language besides English at home in 2019. Some of the most widespread languages spoken in the U.S. are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic, according to census data. However, ACS data found that just 8.4 percent of people living in the U.S. report speaking English 'less than 'very well.'' There were significant variations in English proficiency levels among the people who spoke a language other than English at home, the ACS found. For example, 52 percent of people who spoke Chinese at home spoke English 'less than very well,' but the number fell to 39 percent among those who spoke Spanish at home, and 30 percent for those who spoke Tagalog at home, the ACS said. The numbers may reflect 'a recent increase in immigration from Asia and newcomers who have not had enough time to assimilate and master English yet,' the ACS added. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-New York), who is set to deliver the Spanish-language response to Trump's joint address to Congress on Tuesday, suggested at a news conference on Friday that the order would undercut the country's global competitiveness. 'It's mind-boggling if the intent is to suppress the ability of our young people to be proficient in other languages,' Espaillat said. 'I think that that doesn't make us competitive as a country.' American Community Survey (ACS) data from 2018 to 2022 determined that about 78.3 percent of the nation age 5 and older reported speaking only English at home. ACS data also found that almost 68 million people spoke another language besides English at home in 2019. Some of the most widespread languages spoken in the U.S. are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic, according to census data. However, ACS data found that just 8.4 percent of people living in the U.S. report speaking English 'less than 'very well.'' There were significant variations in English proficiency levels among the people who spoke a language other than English at home, the ACS found. For example, 52 percent of people who spoke Chinese at home spoke English 'less than very well,' but the number fell to 39 percent among those who spoke Spanish at home, and 30 percent for those who spoke Tagalog at home, the ACS said. The numbers may reflect 'a recent increase in immigration from Asia and newcomers who have not had enough time to assimilate and master English yet,' the ACS added. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-New York), who is set to deliver the Spanish-language response to Trump's joint address to Congress on Tuesday, suggested at a news conference on Friday that the order would undercut the country's global competitiveness. 'It's mind-boggling if the intent is to suppress the ability of our young people to be proficient in other languages,' Espaillat said. 'I think that that doesn't make us competitive as a country.' An estimated 170 countries have one or more official language, according to the Associated Press. The United Kingdom, the birthplace of the English language, does not have an official language. The Mexican constitution does not designate an official language — though Spanish is widely spoken and used for government affairs, Mexico is home to dozens of indigenous languages. Meanwhile Canada has legislation designating both English and French as official languages, in order to 'ensure equality of status and equal rights and privileges' and protect the development of 'English and French linguistic minority communities.' An estimated 170 countries have one or more official language, according to the Associated Press. The United Kingdom, the birthplace of the English language, does not have an official language. The Mexican constitution does not designate an official language — though Spanish is widely spoken and used for government affairs, Mexico is home to dozens of indigenous languages. Meanwhile Canada has legislation designating both English and French as official languages, in order to 'ensure equality of status and equal rights and privileges' and protect the development of 'English and French linguistic minority communities.' While the factsheet didn't detail how an official language would affect territories like Puerto Rico, where both Spanish and English are the official language and most government affairs are conducted in Spanish, Rep. Pablo José Hernández, Puerto Rico's nonvoting member of Congress, said in a statement on X that the order 'reflects a vision of American identity that conflicts with our Puerto Rican identity.' 'There will be no statehood without assimilation, and Puerto Ricans will never surrender our identity,' Hernández said. 'For those of us who seek a union with the U.S. without assimilation, and U.S. citizenship with more autonomy, there is only one alternative: maintaining and strengthening the current Commonwealth relationship.' While the factsheet didn't detail how an official language would affect territories like Puerto Rico, where both Spanish and English are the official language and most government affairs are conducted in Spanish, Rep. Pablo José Hernández, Puerto Rico's nonvoting member of Congress, said in a statement on X that the order 'reflects a vision of American identity that conflicts with our Puerto Rican identity.' 'There will be no statehood without assimilation, and Puerto Ricans will never surrender our identity,' Hernández said. 'For those of us who seek a union with the U.S. without assimilation, and U.S. citizenship with more autonomy, there is only one alternative: maintaining and strengthening the current Commonwealth relationship.'
