International news in brief

CWI stands in Northern Ireland elections

photo Alex Kane (Click to enlarge)

The Socialist Party (CWI Ireland) began its election campaign following the fall of the sectarian-dominated Stormont government in Northern Ireland. The CWI is standing candidates as part of Labour Alternative, a cross-community electoral alliance.

Labour Alternative is demanding abortion rights and marriage equality, blocked by the sectarian parties. Here they are plastering Belfast with their iconic posters.

Socialists gather in Latin America

photo Fernando Frazao/Creative Commons (Click to enlarge)

From 27-29 January socialists will gather for the CWI's Latin American school hosted by Liberdade, Socialismo e Revolução in Brazil.

The highlight will be the Saturday rally learning lessons for the left today in the Russian revolution's 100th anniversary. The meeting is glad to welcome socialists from the USA, Europe, as well as Brazil and the rest of Latin America.

Brazil's new illegitimate right-wing government has wasted no time in attacking workers. But this has provoked an equal resistance of occupations, strikes and demonstrations across the country.

This event is another important step in the unification discussions between socialist organisations, CWI and Izquierda Revolucionaria.

'Rosa' launched in Belgium

photo LSP/PSL (Click to enlarge)

The CWI in Belgium (LSP/PSL) has initiated a new campaign, Rosa (Resistance against Oppression, Sexism and Austerity). See facebook.com/campagneROSA for more details.

On 21 January millions marched around world, a majority of them women, against Trump and his sexist policies. The tidal wave of anger demonstrated the opportunity to build a movement against sexism and the capitalist system that promotes it.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.