21.11.2002

Towards a European party

Whatever happens, Rifondazione Comunista has so far played an incredibly important role in bringing the European left together and we should applaud this. But now we must go much further. It is to be welcomed, then, that the PRC organised a seminar entitled 'A Proposal towards a European political party', which was addressed by comrade Bertinotti. The PRC presented a three-page discussion paper, in which they outlined the need for a 'Europe of peace', a 'Europe of economic and social rights', a 'Democratic Europe' and most importantly, the need for an 'Alternative left in Europe'. This is a welcome step in the right direction. Without a unified, organised European socialist party, the working class is left without the necessary means of taking on the European Union of the bosses. The paper quite correctly talks about the need for working class organisation that is independent of the social democratic mainstream parties - a sensitive issue, as the debate showed. Daniel Cirera from the French Communist Party defended his party's support for Jospin's social democrats. Comrade Bertinotti, however, stressed the need not to "remain on the fringes of those parties." The paper also stresses the need for plurality and democracy - or, as the comrades write, "constructing the plural subject". However, the actual content of Rifondazione's 'proposal' for a new European political party is a bit thin. Neither the discussion paper nor Bertinotti's speech contained any proposals on the concrete steps needed to make it a reality. Let me make a suggestion. If we want to present a united challenge at the European elections in 2004, we must urgently begin work on a united manifesto. If it was arrived at through frank and democratic discussion, such a manifesto could help establish the much needed closer organisational and political links. It is crucial that political differences are not just brushed under the carpet, but openly discussed. Everybody in the meeting agreed that a joint manifesto for the elections is desirable. If the PRC were to present a draft to the rest of the European left, then quick progress might be made. * Glimpse of what is possible * Symbols * Call of the European social movements * Which way for PRC? * Bitter taste of SWP arrogance sours day