pro-Albanian party) and Politica XXI (made up of ex-Communist Party members). Many individuals also participated.
In the 1999 elections we got 2.5 per cent of the vote, with 2 MPs elected (out of a total of 230). We campaigned on the issue of taxation and the scandal of wealth transfer from the poor to the rich. In the presidential elections in 2001 our candidate got 3 per cent of the vote and in the 2002 national elections we had 3 MPs elected. SR: How would you describe the Left Bloc? JC: The Left Bloc is an organisation of militant forces. The original experience was not a fusion. The original parties involved in the Bloc kept their organisation but the organisation wasn't a coalition either. Recruitment is now to the Bloc.
There are organised branches of the Bloc and co-ordination for mass campaigns, for example trade union, anti-racist, women's and youth work. The formation of the Bloc has given militants increased confidence. SR How do your MPs see their role? JC: Initially the parliamentary experience was a way of getting left demands onto the agenda. We have been responsible for the passing of 2 important laws on decriminalisation of drugs and partnership rights for lesbian and gay people. This has been indirect because the Socialist Party would not accept the bills as ours and so put them as theirs. The passing of these laws was important in increasing our influence in the public domain. SR: What factors do you think have contributed to the Bloc's success? JC: It has been very important that the different currents in Left Bloc haven't put their own profiles above that of the party. Instead there is a common profile (as in the Scottish Socialist Party). We have looked to create and build on a consensus. At first this was around opposition to capitalism and wanting socialism. The task now is to develop the idea of socialism. SR: What is the membership and what proportion are youth? JC: The Bloc has 2000 members and one third of those are youth. This proportion is growing - our membership is getting younger all the time. SR: How does Bloc membership grow? JC: We have a free 4 page newsletter which is produced every month or two and distributed to 200,000 people. People mainly join because of contact through the paper or through public events. SR: How are you organised? JC: Part of the organisation is in sections, for example students and women's sections. We also have geographical branches. There is an educational every year and a national conference every 2 years. SR: How have things worked out in mustn't just be a 'yes' party. PT) were co-founders of the Workers' the party. Initiatives like Socialist of the line those in the DS take. orities? from different political backgrounds to that wasn't possible before. be a very important campaign for us. time. We must build on that.
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Black History Month • October 2003 hey reported his speeches in their