Left challenge to Euro-bosses
Socialist Outlook newspaper1990sPhil HearseTranscribed or corrected by hand from the printed page.
European Conference of Anti-Capitalist Left
THOUSANDS of left wing militants will gather in Paris on 12/13 June for a widely supported conference aimed at spurring the fightback against unemployment, racism, austerity and the destruction of the environment. An appeal signed by many well-known leftwing leaders argues that the Europe being constructed through the Maastricht treaty is a Europe of the bankers and bosses.
The appeal states that European capitalism is going through a long crisis with 15 million unemployed and 30 million, especially youth, pushed into a 'marginal' existence.
Further: 'The Maastricht treaty, symbolised by monetary union and an independent bank, serves as an alibi for the dismantling of social gains and the welfare state. The Schengen agreement aims to "preserve order", on a European scale.'
Warning of the dangers of racism and fascism, the appeal claims: 'Against this bleak background racism is spreading, attempting to scapegoat immigrants for all these evils. And, for the first time in 50 years, fascist and neo-fascist groups are asserting themselves at the ballot box and in the streets.
Repression
The existing governments, far from attempting to solve these problems, only resort to repression and attack democratic liberties.'
The conference aims to debate alternatives to the bosses' Europe and proposals for Europe-wide action of the anti-capitalist left.
Signatories to the conference appeal so far include the leadership of the Italian Party of Communist Refoundation, including Euro-MP Luciana Castellina and long-time Communist leader Cossuta; Tony Benn; German PDS leader Gregor Gysi; French communist and socialist leaders including Jean-Pierre Chevenement and Charles Fiterman; and leading figurers in the Spanish Workers Commissions and from the left of the German Greens. Ernest Mandel and Alain Krivine, leaders of the Fourth International, have also signed.
The conference will be a unique opportunity to meet and discuss with left-wing socialists from across the continent. It is hoped that a substantial delegation to the conference will be built from Britain.
If you would like a copy of the Appeal and further details write to: European Conference, c/o PO Box 1109, London N4 2UU.