Articles
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Britain, through the City of London and its overseas dependencies and crown territories leads the world in promoting tax avoidance. This pours billions of pounds into the pockets of huge companies like Amazon and rich individuals. These practices exposed in the Panama Papers and earlier leaks. The former Prime Minister David Cameron was caught up in the scandal. Despite declarations to the contrary, politicians and HMRC continue to facilitate this industry. Meanwhile billions of pounds in tax which could fund public services are being siphoned off and inequality is growing.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
French workers take militant action to oppose labour "reforms" aimed at undermining their conditions and collective bargaining.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Obituary of Klaus Steiniger editor of the German Journal RotFuchs, committed communist and defender of the German Democratic Republic.
Friday, July 1, 2016
The structures, treaties and policies of the European union are designed to institutionalise neo-liberal capitalism and make it impossible for the government of any one member state to enact left-wing policies. It's key decision-makers are unelected and It has shown contempt for the democratic choices of the electorates of member states when they vote against its wishes. "Social Europe", in so far as it exists, has been a way of trying to co-opt support for the EU from Trade Unions and others. The military role of the EU should also give the left pause for thought.
Friday, July 1, 2016
In the former socialist countries of eastern Europe social housing was once plentiful, cheap and good quality. Mass privatisation has lead to escalating rents, erosion of tenants rights and the enrichment of property owners. Patterns that are familiar from the British experience of so-called right-to-buy policies.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The harsh bailout conditions inflicted on Greece include the privatisation of billions of Euros worth of state assets. It is often German companies who are benefiting from this, acquiring profitable enterprises at bargain prices.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
The European Union is imposing swingeing austerity and privatisation on Greece, flouting the democratic wishes of its people and disrespecting its government. Other countries have suffered similar treatment. Despite some differences between Germany and others about the best way to deal with these problems, we can be sure that it will be working people who pay the price.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
The crisis in Ukraine has been created by direct interference by the west in the internal affairs of the country. This has lead to the ousting of the elected President and confrontation with Russia. The extreme right has also been fostered and fascists play a significant role in the new regime. There is civil unrest with strong opposition to the coup and to repression by the pro-western forces in certain quarters. Russia, while acting in its own interests, has effectively held off the threat of encirclement by the west. Western countries, seeking advantage for themselves, are divided about how to act. Popular opposition in Ukraine and abroad combined with Russian power and western division have so-far prevented all out war.