Maybe. I guess the problem is that the word “centrist” in and of itself is irredeemably vague.
What is a centrist? Someone who wants to keep things exactly as they are? That’s a conservative.
The “median” political position of the Overton window? In the USSR or China, a “centrist” position would be some kind of Marxist position.
Can we please just use clearer words? You want to talk about social democrats? Fine, do that (I wish they weren’t our “far left” in the US). Plenty of comrades can give a great discussion about them (they at least pretend to care, although they unfortunately can align with the fascists too much). But do you consider a social democrat to be the meaning of “centrist” in contemporary German politics?
I agree that the term is pretty vague. I use it mainly as the opposite of the term "extremist". And that's kinda the point i think, it does not clearly define a set of political opinions, but rather describes any moderate position with a general willingness to compromise and cooperate, a commitment to democracy, as well as condemnation of political violence.
So while in contemporary German politics, I wouldn't equate social democrats with centrists, I would say that they are the most centrist party currently in parliament.
I absolutely don't mind using other terminology, but I do believe that the term "centrist" can be useful sometimes. And after all, this post being about centrists is the reason we are talking about the term in the first place.
Maybe. I guess the problem is that the word “centrist” in and of itself is irredeemably vague.
What is a centrist? Someone who wants to keep things exactly as they are? That’s a conservative.
The “median” political position of the Overton window? In the USSR or China, a “centrist” position would be some kind of Marxist position.
Can we please just use clearer words? You want to talk about social democrats? Fine, do that (I wish they weren’t our “far left” in the US). Plenty of comrades can give a great discussion about them (they at least pretend to care, although they unfortunately can align with the fascists too much). But do you consider a social democrat to be the meaning of “centrist” in contemporary German politics?
I agree that the term is pretty vague. I use it mainly as the opposite of the term "extremist". And that's kinda the point i think, it does not clearly define a set of political opinions, but rather describes any moderate position with a general willingness to compromise and cooperate, a commitment to democracy, as well as condemnation of political violence.
So while in contemporary German politics, I wouldn't equate social democrats with centrists, I would say that they are the most centrist party currently in parliament.
I absolutely don't mind using other terminology, but I do believe that the term "centrist" can be useful sometimes. And after all, this post being about centrists is the reason we are talking about the term in the first place.