Archive for the Category 'Statements'
A revolutionary answer to militarism in the framework of the Euro crisis
The Greek government – and the European Union and the International Monetary Fund behind it – justifies its massive program of cuts against the working population of Greece with the need to make “painful sacrifices” in order to save the country. »»»»
read comments (0)
I. Capitalism in the phase of imperialism
Since its inception, capitalism has spread around the world and has now penetrated into every corner of the earth used by people. This spreading did not always take place in the same way, but was itself subject to change. Initially, technological progress and with it the new industrially-dominated economic system were “exported” into ever more countries which could then develop into industrialized nations. The most advanced states were able to become great powers that over time gradually divided the entire globe amongst their colonial empires. »»»»
With this document we, the Revolutionary Internationalist Organization (RIO), want to present general theses about the state of trade unions today and the work of revolutionaries within them. We are aware that these theses are very abstract – they must be, since they are based more on theoretical and historical considerations than on concrete experience (and they are focused on the trade unions in Germany in particular). Accordingly, this document represents the stand of the discussion within our organization, even though we believe that many of the insights can be generalized. »»»»
Comrade Meryem Çağ, an active member of the trade union federation of public sector workers KESK, was fired from her job at the Izmir regional customs office in mid-May. The firing of this trade unionist by the Turkish state is obviously politically motivated. »»»»
For a revolutionary solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict!
In the early hours of May 31, Israeli navy commandos boarded the “Freedom Flotilla” of ships carrying aid to Gaza and murdered at least 9 activists. The ships, carrying 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid (including food, medicine and building materials) and 663 activists from 37 countries, were boarded in international waters 64 kilometers off the coast of Israel. »»»»
For solidarity with the struggle of the TEKEL workers and the remembrance of the deceased mine workers!
The head of the Turkish trade union TÜRK IS, Mustafa Kumlu, who has been an obstacle to the struggle of the TEKEL workers from the very beginning and who was thrown out of the central May Day demonstration at the Taksim square in Istanbul by workers, has declared that TÜRK IS will not participate in the general strike (“day of action”) on May 26. »»»»
Solidarity with the Greek workers!
On May 5, over three million workers in Greece paralyzed the country with a general strike, shutting down virtually all schools, offices, shops and airports. In Athens alone, more than 200,000 people demonstrated against the austerity measures of the Social Democratic government. On that day, the Greek parliament voted for 30 billion euros in cuts: raising the sales tax to 23%, cutting pensions, raising the retirement age, and eliminating two months’ wages for public sector workers. These cuts are the condition for Greece receiving a bailout worth about 110 billion euros. »»»»
Interview with a Greek Trotskyist on the situation in Greece
La Verdad Obrera interviewed Stavros, a militant of the Greek Trotskyist organization OKDE (Organization of Internationalist Communists of Greece), that is participating in the process of mobilizations against the austerity plan. He edits the monthly newspaper “Workers Struggle” and his internet page is www.okde.gr. »»»»
How should socialists react to the call by Hugo Chávez for a Fifth International?
At an international meeting of left-wing parties in Caracas on November 21, the Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez Frias called for the formation of a “Fifth International”. How should socialists react to this call? We want to use the opportunity to contribute to the debate about what kind of organization is necessary in the fight against capitalism. We believe the first step is to analyze the social forces and the political program behind Chávez’ call. »»»»
Speech at the demonstration “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan” on December 5, 2009 in Berlin
We are here to demand freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and for all Kurdish people. Political prisoners and torture exist not only in Turkey – minorities are also oppressed within the European Union, in this speech, we want to draw attention to the situation in the Basque Country. »»»»
Perspectives for the Kurdish liberation movement 25 years after the begin of the armed struggle in Northern Kurdistan
Twenty-five years ago, on August 15, 1984, the armed struggle began in the Kurdish regions of Turkey. The left-wing Workers Party of Kurdistan (PKK) called for a struggle against the military dictatorship which had come to power in the coup of September 12, 1980, and against the decades-old oppression of the Kurds in Turkey. On this day, their Kurdish Liberation Forces (HRK) attacked the state institutions in the villages of Eruh and Semdinli and gave the signal for a broad guerrilla struggle in the Kurdish regions of Turkey. »»»»