In his own modest way, Peter Mertens of the Workers Party of Belgium sketches out the upward tilt of his party to a London audience of activists and would-be activists.
This is party that has succeeded to unite all 4 linguistic communities in Belgium which is quite an achievement in itself. Although it may not prioritise electoralism, it is now the 4th largest political party in the country thanks to a proportional representation system of voting and no doubt much hard work at neighbourhood level.
There probably is much to learn from the idea of a " campaigning army " in addition to online activists. How is that compatible with " branches can ' t just say they don't feel like it" when called to take action may need further exploring. On the surface of it, it sounds a bit too much like a modern version of the discredited democratic centralism to me.
I d also like to see more of their actual policies and in particular how high on their list of priorities is tackling global warming.
As for positive discrimination for working class members within the party, I think that is just another version of post modernist identity politics which is the opposite of Marxism and thus eco socialism.
One final point about the French equivalent to the PVDA, la France Insoumise led by Jean Luc Melanchon. It was his party which, by refusing to do a deal with parties on the left and Les Verts around one unity candidate which enabled Macron to put his man Michel Barnier as his premier ministre.
There is one good bit of news in France though : Marine Le Pen is not likely to be a candidate for the next presidential election as she is facing serious charges of fraud.
A very good initiative, the energy of the Corbyn years shows there is potential here too. Somehow, I suspect Kid Starver's party isn't tapping into that.
Call it a wild hunch.
BTW Alan, next time you talk to Philip Hall, can you mention that my facebook account has been locked. I'd still like that drink with him next time he is down to the south coast.
Is your example of “topdownism” from the Communist Culture Club’s Zoom meeting last night? I get their notifications but haven’t actually attended one for a while.
This is party that has succeeded to unite all 4 linguistic communities in Belgium which is quite an achievement in itself. Although it may not prioritise electoralism, it is now the 4th largest political party in the country thanks to a proportional representation system of voting and no doubt much hard work at neighbourhood level.
There probably is much to learn from the idea of a " campaigning army " in addition to online activists. How is that compatible with " branches can ' t just say they don't feel like it" when called to take action may need further exploring. On the surface of it, it sounds a bit too much like a modern version of the discredited democratic centralism to me.
I d also like to see more of their actual policies and in particular how high on their list of priorities is tackling global warming.
As for positive discrimination for working class members within the party, I think that is just another version of post modernist identity politics which is the opposite of Marxism and thus eco socialism.
One final point about the French equivalent to the PVDA, la France Insoumise led by Jean Luc Melanchon. It was his party which, by refusing to do a deal with parties on the left and Les Verts around one unity candidate which enabled Macron to put his man Michel Barnier as his premier ministre.
There is one good bit of news in France though : Marine Le Pen is not likely to be a candidate for the next presidential election as she is facing serious charges of fraud.
A very good initiative, the energy of the Corbyn years shows there is potential here too. Somehow, I suspect Kid Starver's party isn't tapping into that.
Call it a wild hunch.
BTW Alan, next time you talk to Philip Hall, can you mention that my facebook account has been locked. I'd still like that drink with him next time he is down to the south coast.
Gnuneo: 1) Lots of potential. 2) Will pass on message to Phil.
Thank you.
Is your example of “topdownism” from the Communist Culture Club’s Zoom meeting last night? I get their notifications but haven’t actually attended one for a while.
Steve: The short answer is "No." Alan