Historic Union: Labor and Meretz Form 'The Democrats'
In a landmark move, the Labor Party, led by Yair Golan, and the Meretz liaison team, headed by Tomer Reznik, have announced their unification into a single party called 'The Democrats'. This merger, which was confirmed on Sunday evening, is not just a 'technical bloc' but a significant step towards creating a large, united Zionist liberal-democratic party in Israel.
Democratic Primaries and Representation
The new party's list for the Knesset will be determined through democratic primaries involving members and functionaries from both parties. A mechanism has been established to ensure representation from Meretz at various levels: up to the 4th place, the 8th place, the 12th place, and the 16th place on the list. Additionally, a similar rate of representation (25%) will be maintained within the institutions of the new party. Municipal factions of Meretz will also be integrated, adding to the party's territorial strength.
A Unified Vision for Israel's Future
The unified party aims to build on the values of the Labor Party, leveraging its historical, ideological, and organizational legacy. The merger is seen as a step towards creating a substantial governmental alternative to the current administration led by Netanyahu. Yair Golan emphasized the need for brave steps in light of serious security threats and the delicate fabric of life in Israel. He expressed gratitude to Tomer Reznik and members of both factions for their contributions. Tomer Reznik highlighted the union as a correction for both the past and the future, aiming to create a significant political force that addresses political, social, and civil issues in Israel.
- The agreement will be brought to the approval of the 11th conference of the Labor Party and the Meretz Conference. The promises of representation are one-time, and each party will bear its obligations according to the law. Meretz, for instance, has a debt estimated at 16 million shekels from previous elections, which it will continue to bear alone.
- Yair Golan, the chairman of the 'Labor - Democrats' party, stated that the goal is to create connections that will maximize the camp's electoral potential. He emphasized the importance of this political, public, and moral goal, especially given the serious security threats and the appeal to Israel's delicate fabric of life. Golan thanked Tomer Reznik and members of both factions for their important contributions.
- Secretary General Meretz Tomer Reznik described the union as a double correction, addressing both past and future challenges. He stressed that without this union and the integration of both parties' ideologies into a significant political force, there would be no correction for the State of Israel. Reznik expressed confidence in Golan's leadership and the potential for the new party to consolidate a significant force in the next elections. The full agreement will be published on the party's website in the coming days.
