ILC
International Newsletter
Number 25
May
5, 2003
Weekly information dossier published by the International Liaison
Committee -ILC,
Please contact : International Liaison Committee -ILC, c/o Parti des
travailleurs - 87, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 7510 Paris France
phone : (33 1) 48 01 88 28 fax : (33 1) 48 01 88 36
e-mail - eit.ilc@wanadoo.fr
*****
Contents:
- Introduction
- May 1st around the world
- Opening a discussion on "the defence of Chinese nation"
- A June, 2002 G. Bush Speech on USA-Asia relations after September 11.
- Caribbean Open Forum, the bulletin of the Association of Workers and
Peoples of the Caribbean
- European News:
Britain, Spain.
- Subscriptions
*****
Presentation:
On May 1, throughout the world millions of workers mobilized against war
and exploitation.
In Germany, a million demonstrators rose up against the measures
announced by Chancellor Schröder in the framework of his 2010 agenda,
which forecasts reductions in unemployment insurance for the long-term
unemployed, the flexibilization of dismissal rights and a reduction in
spending for the public sanitation system.
In Portugal, more than 30,000 people participated in the CGTP and UGT
demonstrations in Lisbon, organized for the withdrawal of the new Labor
Code.
In the most difficult of conditions, in the ex-Yugoslavia torn apart by
the war, workers demonstrated with their independent unions:
"The workers want to live decently and work in democratic and
peaceful conditions!"
This mobilization of workers throughout the world is the test that shows
that the labor movement exists, that workers organizations exist, that
class struggle exists, that the working class is there, ready to defend
their conquests anywhere that they are questioned, willing to mobilize
everywhere in the struggle against war and exploitation.
The International Liaison Committee of Workers and Peoples wants to take
its place with them.
*****
On May 1 throughout the world, millions of workers demonstrated for
their demands, their rights, their social conquests and against the
consequences of the war in Iraq
Press Review
In Germany, a million demonstrators (double the year before) rose up
against the measures announced by Chancellor Schröder.
"The current social climate is very tense in Germany, where in
April, statistics showed nearly 4.5 million unemployed, such that the
Chancellor wants to impose reforms by force that are considered too
liberal by the left wing of the Social Democrat Party over which he
presides. His traditional allies, the unions, took advantage of May 1st
to express their opposition to his reform plan, Agenda 2010, which
predicts reductions in unemployment insurance for the long-term
unemployed, a flexibilization of dismissal rights and a reduction in the
budget for the public sanitation system.
Whistles and boos welcomed the ChancellorŠ(who) estimated coldly that
the protests ´lacked a real foundation.´ Speaking after him, the
chief of the DGB, Michael Sommer, put distanced himself, 'I am in the
SPD, but I am not of the same opinion as he'." Schröder was asked
if the cuts in social spending, the measures that create the layoffs,
have created a single job.
In Berlin, "a regional demonstration of unions, according to the
organizers, gathered 20,000 people against Agenda 2010."
The call for May 1st from the CISL spoke of the "challenges at this
key moment in its history, in particular after the war in Iraq" for
the labor movement.
In Portugal, more than 30,000 people participated in the demonstrations
of the CGTP and the UGT, at a time in which the struggle against the
reform of the labor laws conquered during the revolution of 1973, under
discussion in the Assembly of the Republic, concentrates the fight of
those workers. The Commission "for unity for the withdrawal of the
reform of the labor laws" has called for a "CGTP-UGT united
front for the withdrawal" of this reform.
In Spain, 100,000 demonstrated in Madrid, according to the unions, in a
protest called by the UGT and CCOO against the economic policy of the
government and the threats of counter-reforms related to collective
bargaining negotiations and retirement, against war and the occupation
of Iraq. The demonstrations were called "For peace and for jobs. No
to war." Tens of thousands of demonstrators in Barcelona and in 75
other cities showed that the great social mobilizations of the recent
months have not been extinguished. The demand for the resignation of
Aznar continued front and center, and the republican flags were more
numerous than in any other May 1st in 30 years.
In Mexico, more than 30,000 people demonstrated against the projects for
the reform of labor legislation and of the national electrical sector,
as well as against precarious labor conditions.
In Bolivia, they continue raising the specter of the tragedy of the 12th
and 13th of February, when 28 workers were murdered in La Paz by the
police and the army when they protested against a wage cut. In a
situation of social collapse, the COB called for demonstrations in the
main cities demanding secure jobs, solutions to the crisis and wage
increases.
In Indonesia, a demonstration was directed at the palace of the
president, demanding an increase in wages of 100%, that May 1st be a
holiday and for an end to "U.S. colonialism in Iraq."
In Taiwan, the unions demanded an end to privatizations. The Association
of Public Employee Unions denounced the fact that the president has not
fulfilled his electoral promises on this issue and announced an
agreement with the education union to defend public services.
"We have seen the deterioration of the process over the past three
years, the property of the companies and the government keep falling
into the hands of the major corporations."
In Korea, 30,000 workers called by the KCTU participated in a
mobilization in Daehang for the defense and reinforcement of workers
rights. They demanded an end to discrimination against foreign workers
and to half days of work, the retraction of the plans to establish
"free trade zones." They also held signs against the WTO.
In Japan, mobilizations were held in which the issue of the war was also
present: against the revision of the Constitution, for the rejection of
the war and against a battery of projects and hostile laws. They were
also in opposition to a legislative project that would revise the Law of
Labor Norms, which the Parliament is set to discuss in the coming
session.
The three national union federations - Rengo, Zenroren and Zenrokio -
have called for actions on the same day for the first time in three
years. They gathered more than 700,000 workers.
In Hong Kong (China), workers demonstrated against the fact that the
bosses are using the epidemic as a pretext to cut wages and social
protection benefits. More than 500 unionists from the hotel,
transportation and construction unions marched to the government
headquarters.
In China, the China Labour Bulletin pronounced May 1st a day against
repression of trade unionists. The workers, who continue to be "the
owners of the country," see how their rights to free expression and
association are denied and, how, when they confront the massive layoffs,
they are threatened with the loss of their wages and guarantees.
"The voices of Chinese workers can be heard in all of China today,
but they clash with silence and repression." Han Dongfang, director
of the Bulletin, declared:
"With the constant economic changes and the layoffs which they
cause, the unemployment and the corruption, the agitation of the workers
will not stop until the government adopts urgent measures to deal with
the causes of these problems. ŠThe only solution is that the Chinese
government recognizes the right of the workers to protest:
May 1st has its origin in the struggle for the 8 hour day. More than 100
years later, Chinese workers still struggle for this right" even
when the Labor Code guarantees 8 hour days." They also insist on
the basic conditions of safety in the workplace and on sanitation. On
April 28, the Bulletin began a campaign to stop these workplace
accidents.
In Nigeria, a union threatened to block the oil export industry on May
1st if the Marines intervened to break the strike that has affected four
off-coast platforms for the past 12 days. The negotiations with the
National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) with the
bosses, the US Transocean Inc. company broke down on April 30th.
"If they use the marinesŠthe strike could extend industry-wide."
Nigeria is the sixth largest oil exporter.
In Austria, 100,000 people demonstrated in Vienna and in the main cities
of Austria on Thursday. On the occasion of the May 1st celebrations,
they gathered to protest against a project for retirement reform that
would anticipate the progressive elimination of early retirements. The
Austrian government has begun a draconian retirement reform, in spite of
the threat of a general strike for the first time in fifty years.
The reform, which is attempting to save 2,200 million euros, forecasts
the progressive elimination of early retirements. The effective age of
retirement would increase to 65 years, when currently Austrians retire
at an average of 59 years for men and 57 years for women.
The time quota to have the right to a full retirement will be prolonged
in stages going up to 40 to 45 years old. The base for the calculation
of pension will be progressively modified beginning in 2005 and will go
to 40 years of work in 2028, in place of the current 16 years.
In Serbia-Montenegro: May 1st was celebrated under the sign of social
discontent, with unions in the demonstrations calling for "more
jobs" and "better living conditions."
"We call on the workers to be unified and in solidarity, as this is
the only guarantee that the demands expressed during the protest
demonstrations will be fulfilled," declared Marko Sekularac,
spokesperson for the Union of Montenegro.
The Association of Independent Unions organized demonstration in various
large cities in Montenegro. "The celebration of May 1st of 2003
coincides with serious discontent on the part of workers because of the
change in living conditions, a decrease in wages and in increase in
unemployment," added Sekularac.
Sekularac accused the Montenegro government of Milo Djukanovic of
practicing a policy of privatizations that is unfavorable to workers.
"We demand the creation of new jobs, as well as the payment of late
wages and an increase in the minimum wage," said Sekularac.
In Serbia, which together with Montenegro forms the State of
Serbia-Montenegro, May 1st was also marked by protest demonstrations
called by the unions, as well as by the traditional country-style food
and sports, tourist and cultural shows.
In Novi-Sad (northern Serbia), several hundred demonstrators gathered in
the center of the city, responding to a call by the Federation of
Nezavisnot (Independent) Unions and unfurled banners calling for the
ousting of the Minister of Labor of Serbia, Dragan Milovanovic.
A leaflet that was circulating among the demonstrators indicated that
workers want to live decently and work in conditions of peace and
democracy.
In India, on the occasion of May 1st, the Trade Union Solidarity
Committee of Bombay, which organizes alliances among the different
independent trade unions of Bombay, published a call from which we have
excerpted a few paragraphs:
"The attacks against jobs, wages and the collective rights of
workers continue. In the case of India, this is concentrated in the
modifications of the labor rights that leave workers without any
protection in the face of layoffs.
It is a war against workers.
The workers have decided to confront this offensive. The general strike
of May 21st, called for in India by a group of union organizations,
against the dismantlement of the labor laws constitutes a step forwardŠ
The globalization of the economy, the imperialist wars and the common
fascism, try to divert the attention of the workers from their demands.
Š
A year ago, in Gujarat, thousands of people were massacred because they
belonged to the Muslim religion, in riots that were shamefully justified
by the powers that be.
This year, the war and the occupation of Iraq reduced some myths to dust:
the "democratic" pretensions of the United States and Great
Britain, the impotence of the UN, the servility of what is called the
"global community," the pro-American attitude of the
government.
But the protest of the people has made itself heard with great force.
Throughout the world demonstrations have risen up, with the broad
participation of the labor movement, against the terror of the furtive
bombings of B2s and Tomahawk missiles.
Just as in the struggle for the 8 hour day in the 19 century, the
current situation demands that the working class of the world rise up
and fight in unity for jobs, social security for all, the defense of
conquered rights, and the defense of trade union independence.
The struggle is international, the road is long but victory will go to
those who fight."
Source: AFP and correspondents. We apologize to those correspondents
whose documents arrived after we closed this bulletin.
*****
China
Activists from different political origins open a tribune for discussion
"on the measures needed to defend the Chinese nation, its
sovereignty and workers and democratic social rights that sprang from
the 1949 revolution"
An "Open Bulletin in defence of the sovereignty of the Chinese
nation" is published for that purpose. Its presentation follows:
We are activists from different countries, mainly from Asia. We come
from different political horizons. Beyond these different origins we met
in a common framework: The International Liaison Committee of Workers
and Peoples (ILC). We propose the edition of a tribune for discussion on
the situation that is emerging in China. Humanity has reached a turning
point in its history. Preparations for an endless war are a threat to
human civilisation. What is happening in China is part of that situation
and will accelerate up because of this international situation. The
destiny of China is of world importance and has heavy implications for
all the Asian nations. How could we be indifferent to what is going on
in that country. Whatever our opinion be, of the policies of the Chinese
Communist Party, of the results of the different stages of the Chinese
Revolution, that Revolution is a reference for all the workers of Asia
and beyond. Of course, the issue of the results of the Chinese
revolution needs to be discussed and opinions on that matter are quite
contradictory. We want those views to be included in this bulletin. In
any case, what happened in China after 1949 showed all the peoples of
the area that it was possible to achieve emancipation from imperialist
domination and to set up a free Nation. All Asian people suffering from
hunger and oppression under corrupt regimes were inspired with hope by
the Chinese Revolution. To-day, where it is precisely the future of
China that is in the balance, we can measure the consequences for all
the people in our countries.
When the WTO signed the agreement with China there was debate. Some,
while criticising several aspects of the agreement thought that it could
nevertheless present advantages for China. Others, who were suspicious
of the demands put forward by the US government during the preparatory
negotiations on the text, felt that it was impossible not to sign.
Others again, among whom the editors of this review, underlined the
dangers of this agreement for Chinese industry, national sovereignty and
for the social rights won over by Chinese workers and peasants. The WTO
is an instrument in the hands of transnational companies and of the most
powerful government that of the States and as Jeffrey Garten, American
Under Secretary for Trade at the time said : « Our main purpose is the
opening up of markets. The WTO is a means, a way of obtaining this. »
The day after the signature, American leaders announced that this
agreement was a means of forcing in « reforms » from outside which
would not have been possible because of the resistance of the Chinese
people.
In fact, many points of view have been expressed. And this is well known
by everyone
because a tour was organised throughout China to present the agreement
to Chinese Party officials who were often bewildered. Did the agreement
not mean selling the country off to foreigners ? The agreement was then
signed. What are the consequences ? What has already been changed ? It
is possible to have this discussion based on facts, that is what we
propose to do. It will also be necessary to evaluate the role and
function played by the WTO in the different countries. Everyone agrees,
after the 16th congress of the CCP and with events moving rapidly
towards war against Iraq, that the situation is accelerating up.
We do not pretend to hold the key to a solution, but we feel that it is
urgent to open up this debate as the threats are menacing. Colin Powell,
American State Secretary, stated in the same speech that the US
administration intended to prepare war and also to impose their will on
all continents. As far as China is concerned, he declared : « China
must totally respect its agreement with the WTO to open up its market .
»
Why are the leaders of the WTO and the US administration complaining
about the time that is being taken to implement through acts the
obligation figuring in of the agreement to be translated into acts ? Isn't
it because, as the Chinese and international press recount, there are
hundreds of thousands of instances of strikes and industrial action ?
Workers are in effect expressing in different ways their will to live,
to get their wages and to see their pensions paid out. Aren't these
legitimate demands ? We propose that we discuss on all these matters on
the basis of facts. Our review tribune will publish documents and facts
that everyone can verify. Let's take one issue: the agreements between
China and the WTO indicated that china should import 40% of rice. It is
common knowledge that Chinese agriculture is not profitable according to
the criterion of the world market. After the country had suffered
colonisation and been fleeced for several decades, China had to
nationalise land so that the people had the means to survive. From a
profit point of view that was not an economic measure, but it meant that
the people had the means to eat. The greatest threat for the Chinese
peasants - 30% to 40% imported rice - that means unemployment and ruin
for tens of million Chinese peasants. Recent information indicates that
deregulation has started on the rice market. Transnational trade
companies and in the restaurant business have made it known they intend
getting their hands on the Chinese wholesale rice trade in the coming
months. How could millions of Chinese peasants consider it normal that
they be chucked out on the roads in order to satisfy the demands of
American transnational agriculture and food companies? Is it possible
for them to envisage that they find themselves half a century back, as
before 1949, in a situation where famine starts to reappear, in a
situation where peasants could no longer produce with their own hands ?
The Peking Magazine of the Chinese Reform, in it's rural edition, is
right isn't it when it declares that "the wolf has really arrived"
with the first delivery of American cereals and that the "WTO can
destroy the Chinese economy" ?
Wasn't it in the fight against foreign domination that the Chinese
nation achieved it's unity and one of the objects of that fight was to
ensure food sufficiency ? Wasn't it because, China, after having torn
free from imperialist clutches, was able to feed the Chinese people,
that she gave hope to all the other people in the area ?
In the same way, whatever problems are raised by the running of state
companies, and we want to have a debate on these, can more than 10 or 20
million workers of these sate companies accept being laid off ? To-day,
millions, tens of millions of workers depend for a living on work in
theses companies . Their families, their social rights depend on this
work. And these state companies which belong to the people, are as
everyone knows unprofitable in terms of criterion retained by the world
market who could not care less about the lives of tens of millions of
workers. The only thing it takes into account is the lowest production
costs. State companies only exist because the central Chines Bank
maintains it's subsidies. Global economy institutions are demanding that
banks give up subsidising state companies, so that they are in better
financial shape in order to face market economy. This would mean
bankruptcy for them and the laying off of millions of workers.
Experts from the Bank of international settlements keep on saying "The
situation to-day is quite unbearable and can only be maintained by
ignoring the root of the problem."
WTO experts are demanding that foreign banks be allowed to intervene
directly in China. But who can decide the future of state companies ?
Don't they belong to the Chinese people, who have made a colossal effort
to get the country out of the situation it had been left in by
colonisation and war ? What right have Banks and Transnational companies
to impose their law ? Isn't the issue, that of Chinese national
sovereignty being questioned, threatened ? According to a World Bank
report, "professionals" need to be recruited to improve the
situation. Aren't the same proposals being put forward for the East
European countries, where they plan "monitoring" to organise
the restructuring process. This means getting and paying for foreign
experts to come in to advise and direct governments in implementing
World Bank plans.
China is under threat, and therefore all the people in that area and
continent. Isn't it a fact that, using the "fight against terrorism",
American troops are now installed permanently in Afghanistan, close to
China, in Tajikistan, in Kirghizistan ?
We will publish in this issue of the bulletin information on these
matters. Isn't it true that there are plans for gas and oil from the
central Asian republics to pass through China ? Isn't it a fact that
American Transnational companies are demanding a majority share in the
building of gas pipelines that are going to cross China. And in the name
of what is China supposed to give up national sovereignty over energy ?
These are the first questions. There are many others. We'll say it again,
we intend to deliver the facts and debate on the basis of these facts.
Confrontation, discussion of points of view, that is what is necessary.
We know that the situation is difficult for peoples all over the world.
War is threatening us and with it a long list of suffering, barbarism
and threats to social rights that peoples and workers world over have
won. The working class movement was built in this struggle to gain inch
by inch the means of resisting exploitation. Social rights and conquests
have been won by the working class. This review intends to further
discussion in the defence of workers gains and rights all over the world
and the conquests of the Chinese revolution, based on the overthrow of
the private property regime of means of production is an integral part
of these.
Workers have always won their social rights through their own
organisation. Isn't the right for the Chinese working class and peasants
to set up their own free organisations a central issue of the situation
? Should bosses, capitalists, transnational companies, be they the only
ones that have the right to free organisation and to put forth their
demands ? isn't it true that bosses, capitalists and workers have
different interests, that each side has the right to set up
organisations as it pleases them.
We do not pretend to have ready made solutions. We propose a tribune for
discussion so that we can debate together on the measures needed to
defend the Chinese nation, its sovereignty and workers and democratic
social rights that sprang from the 1949 revolution. Of course it is up
to the Chinese people themselves to define the ways and means by which
they defend the nation and conquests. But since what becomes of China
will necessarily have consequences for all our peoples, we intend, from
our point of view to contribute to this discussion.
That is why we are undertaking to publish this review. It is open to all
those who are on the side of the oppressed and the exploited and who are
looking, through free discussion, for the means of fighting to uphold
the social rights won by preceding generations.
We invite you to send us any articles, contributions and documents which
you consider necessary, to further this debate.
To receive this bulletin, please write to ILC International Newsletter.
*****
George Bush's Speech on Asia at the West Point Academy
June 1st 2002
"The events of September 11, 2001, fundamentally changed the
context for relations between the United States and other main centers
of global power, and opened vast, new opportunities"
The attacks of September 11 energized America's Asian alliances.
Australia invoked the ANZUS Treaty to declare the September 11 was
an attack on Australia itself, following that historic decision with the
dispatch of some of the world's finest combat forces for Operation
Enduring Freedom.
*****
Caribbean
The Association of Workers and the Peoples of the Caribbean was set up
after the Caribbean conference reported in our issue number 8 (January
6, 2003). It publishes a tri-lingual bulletin: Caribbean Open Forum.
We reprint its editorial (April 3rd 2003)
The Caribbean Association of Workers and Peoples' Bureau has held its
first reunion.
The decision to form this Caribbean Association of Workers and Peoples
was one of the main decisions of the Caribbean conference held last
December, reported in this special issue. The organizing bureau is made
up of the four organizations which initiated the conference : The
Workers' and Peasants' Alliance (WPA -Martinique), the Movement for a
Workers' and Peasants' Party (Guadeloupe), the Dominica Trade Union, and
the National Workers' Union (Dominica).
Assembled in Martinique on the 24th and 25th March, a public meeting was
held during the evening of the 24th March against the war in Iraq which
will be reported in the next issue. The anti-war movement was born in
Martinique following the protest march of the 8th February, where the
protesters' demands, warmly applauded by the spectators along the route,
linked the struggle against the war with the struggle for workers'
demands :
«Money for schools and hospitals, not for the war; We are against the
war: it kills the innocent; it destroys nations.»
Those participating in the public meeting deplored the act of aggression
(slap and spitting) perpetrated against comrade Jacqueline Petitot by
Gilbert Pago, leader of the Socialist Revolution Group, on Thursday
20th March, during a gathering against the war in Iraq, and supported
the petition condemning this violence.
The leading organizers of the protest march were our comrades from the
the WPA, along with militants from the Martinique Autonomist Movement(MAM),
the Fraternal Movement for Haitian Solidarity, the Democratic and
Ecologist Movement for a Sovereign Martinique and the Martinique Front
for Justice Against Repression
The links formed during this shared struggle have helped to increase the
participation in our assembly with the presence of comrades from the MAM
and the Haitian Movement. Everyone was pleased to rediscover this
solidarity with Haiti, a country much forgotten, and plunged into misery
and chaos by the manoeuvres of U.S imperialism.
The meeting also evaluated the actions taken concerning the application
of the conference's resolutions, concluding that, notably on the
question of the struggle against the war, the wishes of the conference
had been respected.
The assembly decided to send at least one representative to the 10th
annual conference against deregulation and for the defence of the
conventions of the International Labour Organization, a conference
initiated by the International Liaison Committee of Workers and Peoples,
to take place in June 2003 in Geneva, at the time of the annual general
assembly of the ILO. The assembly also agreed to a participation at the
international conference for the defence of education planned in Geneva
at the same time . At least one representative will be present at the
continental conference against the Americas Free Trade Area (AFTA)
planned for next July in San Paulo, Brazil.
The assembly also assessed the situation concerning the campaign for
subscriptions to the Caribbean Free Tribune, and decided to reinforce
efforts in each country.
It also adopted the principle of quarterly meetings, to follow the
publication of the newspaper, alternating between Martinique, Dominique,
and Guadeloupe, and agreed the contents of the next issue to appear
mid-June.
Finally, it was decided to intensify the struggle in each of our
countries against the war , based particularly around trade union
organizations, following the example of the workers' coalition US Labor
Against the War, moving toward a Caribbean initiative against the war
converging on the U.S Embassy at Barbade.
Open Forum Caribbeans
(16 pages three languages)
Provisional address: MPTPG office
25, rue Clara Bourgarel (ex 4e rue de l'Assainissement)
97190 Pointe-à-Pitre. Guadaloupe
Tel/Fax : 05 90 88 70 07
E-mail: mptpg@wanadoo.fr
*****
Great Britain
On Thursday May 1st of 2003 municipal elections were held in Great
Britain (except in London, which has a special statute). We will let the
statistics speak for themselves.
The first fact that attracts one's attention is the abstention level:
34%, a percentage that is even lower in a series of worker demographics,
in particular in those that include an important population of Asian
origin.
The Labour Party obtained around 30% of the votes counted, the
Conservative Party 34% and the Liberal Democratic Party around 30%. In
the legislative elections of 2001, the Labour Party had 41% of the
votes. The Labour Party lost some 800 city council seats of the
approximately 12,000 that were at stake and lost the majority in 29 city
councils (of the 308 that had elections).
The commentators and spokespeople from the Blair team have hurried to
state that it was a limited reversal, to disguise the rejection of Blair
and his team. For the first time in 19 years, the Labour Party lost
control of the major industrial city of Birmingham; for the first time
in over 25 years, it is no longer the majority in the Coventry; it also
lost in Bristol and Exeter. It is now the minority in the city councils
of three of the largest areas in the periphery of Manchester. On
May 3rd, the Financial Times resumed things in the following way: "The
support of Tony Blair for the North American action in Iraq has had as a
consequence an electoral reversal for his party, the loss of control of
a whole series of cities."
The war and the Blair administration policy of privatizations explain
the rejection that was expressed on the occasion of the municipal
elections. One of the deputies of the Labour Party who voted against the
war in the parliament said: "Blair cannot be the leader of the
party of war and the leader of the Labour Party at the same time."
This is the message sent by the Labour Party for the labour and popular
electorate, who doesn't want the conservatives to power nor does
it want the continuation of their policies.
Correspondent
*****
Spain
The Supreme Court of Spain decided on Saturday, May 3rd, after only 24
hours of "deliberation," to annul 241 lists of municipal
elections in the provinces of Basque Country and Navarra.
"Is it a crime to be Basque for the Aznar government?" asked a
leader of the Nationalist Basque Party on Tuesday, April 29, after the
government announced its intention to begin a process to annul 241
electoral lists, that is to say, almost 3,000 candidates for municipal
elections in the provinces of Basque Country and Navarra.
Again, Aznar exploits the Basque question in order to save the
government of the monarchy. After the prohibition of Batasuna [the
political arm of the ETA], official since March 27, the members of that
organization have presented, with total legality, independent candidates
(241) in the municipalities of Basque Country and Navarra.
According to the existing electoral law in Spain, a group of citizens
can form an electoral association and collect a number of signatures
proportional to the registered voters in order to form a list.
On Tuesday, April 29, the electoral committee, a national institution,
validated all of the lists and registered them in the Official Bulletin.
But the same day the government decided to appeal to the Attorney
General to begin an annulment process.
On Saturday, May 3rd, the Attorney General denounced the 241 lists and
demanded that the Supreme Court annul them. The Court had to give its
verdict through an emergency procedure, by Sunday the 4th or Monday the
5th of May at the latest. This is what they have just done after an
emergency procedure that lasted no longer than 24 hours.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the methods used by Aznar are
increasingly similar to those of Franco. The Attorney General declared,
"The presence of a single candidate coming from one of the annulled
parties would contaminate the entire list."
The members of the ILC in Spain have begun a campaign directing a letter
to the President demanding respect for democracy, the reversal of all
judicial measures and the withdrawal of the Supreme Court decision.
In order to maintain power, Aznar, the government of the monarchy, needs
to sharpen the Basque conflict and prevent a democratic solution based
on respect for the right of self-determination.
Correspondent
*****
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