cal, anti-globalisation stance.
The other debate is on what should be the relationship between an increasingly hegemonic Socialist Party and the other components of the ex-government left, the Communist Party and the Greens.
These parties spent five years as part of the Jospin govemment, claiming, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, that they were pushing lospin to the left or at least acting as a brake.
Discussions, particularly in the CP now centre on whether to go for a new version of this strategy or abandon social-liberalism in favour of consistent anti-capitalist politics.
The question of a new broad anti-capitalist party, highlighted by the far left's 10 per cent of the vote on April 2l, is still very much on the agenda. The strengthening of the Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) since the elections both in ! absolute terms and in relation to Workers' Fight (Lutte Ouvriere)** gives it the chance to take initiatives in this direction starting with a series of Forums on building a new party.
But this is only a first step. In the absence of major splits in the traditional ! parties, the key to the situation, says the Julia Brandreth A unique opportunity to oppose militarism and neo-liberalism and to help to shape the future of the global justice movement comes in November when the European Social Forum takes place.
The ESF will be held in Florence, Italy, from 6-10 November. It will bring together anti-capitalists, local campaigners and organisations who have pledged to build a global movement that can stop militarism and the drive to war, and point the way towards a world in which people come before profit.
Linking in with the political mobilisation there will be a cultural mobilisation. A call has gone out to artists, designers, athletes, actors, filmmakers, musicians and writers to participate in the English contingent to create a vibrant, diverse cultural presence.
It is a sign of the growing confidence of the movement that, rather than simply protest against globalisation, it is able to build its own massive conference.
This is also a key moment because political debates about the movement's future direction can be played out. Social democrats taking part may want it to become a lobbying network with limited political demands.
Revolutionary socialists will have the chance to win over those who do not have firm ideological positions, but who want to take to the streets to protest about injustices and inequality in the world. The morning forums focus on Globalisation and Liberalism; War and Peace; and Rights/Citizenship/Democracy. tions. to the wider fight. really want to change the world. In addition there will be many workshop sessions, where all political currents will have their platform.
The main task remains to get as many individuals and organisations to the event as possible, especially activists and rank and file trade unionists. The ESF already has the support of key trade unions nationally, including UNISON, NATHE and the CWU, plus an impressive number of local union branches and organisaClearly the European far left has to have a strong and, as far as possible, united presence at the ESE. However, it is arguably just as important that political work is done before and after the event. Anyone who is fighting against war, privatisation or racism should take their place at the ESF and encourage local campaigners to get over to Florence. And afterwards, report-backs of the event will be crucial for creating the widest possible awareness of the issues debated in Florence and for strengthening struggles.
The ESF challenges the left to understand the importance of global and local struggles, and how they inter-connect. Every small campaign against privatisation or war is inextricably linked
International events like the ESF are a chance to exchange experiences with other anti-capitalists from across Europe While there is more to building a new and just society than simply attending conferences no one should miss this one if they MORE DETAILS: www.mobilise.org.uk or www.fse-esf.org
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