Articles
Thursday, September 1, 2016
The vote for Brexit in Britain has opened up debate on the left across Europe with increased opposition to the EU. Its future is uncertain given opposition from both left and right. Germany as the dominant force in the EU faces some difficult challenges dealing with the new situation.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
The result of the EU referendum exposes divisions within British capitalism. Tory Party ambivalence about membership contributed to the result. The working class whose interests were not represented by the neo-liberal policies of successive governments voted to Leave.
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.