The Italian electorate has resoundingly said “no” to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s referendum hopes, despite the crushing unanimity of support from the TV stations, the press, all the employers’ organisations, the world of finance and almost all “opinion makers”. A large majority of Italian voters rejected the threats, the politics of fear and the spectre of a “leap into the dark”.
The reality of the elections
6 December 2016, byAt a time when real power is concentrated in the hands of the monarchy, in alliance with those who impose neoliberal policies (the World Bank, the IMF, the European Union) elections will take place on October 7, 2016 [1] to form a “parliament”. It is an occasion for corrupt bourgeois parties to participate, in marginal way, and at the same time it is a mask to hide the despotism that has been established in Morocco since its formal independence.
Bolivia’s Extractive Economy and Alternatives
5 December 2016, byWhen the World Social Forum (WSF) began in 2001 the possibilities of a leftist victory, either through elections or via an armed struggle, appeared remote in Latin America. In contrast, social movements were in ascendency in their battles against neoliberal capitalism. In this environment, the WSF embraced civil society as the best path forward toward a transformation of society.
Hezbollah and the Workers
5 December 2016, byHezbollah’s record shows that the party’s interests are more aligned with elites than with workers.
Oil Pipelines: Converging in Illinois
4 December 2016, byIt isn’t nice to block the doorways, It isn’t nice to go to jail, There are nicer ways to do it, But the nice ways always fail... Yeah, we tried negotiations And the token picket line, Mister Charlie didn’t see us And he might as well be blind; When you deal with men of ice, You can’t deal with ways so nice, But if that’s freedom’s price, We don’t mind... — “It Isn’t Nice,” by Malvina Reynolds (1965)
Tammy Brewer, THE great-granddaughter of a Keokuk chief, climbed a steep and wooded (...)
The new Stolen Generation
1 December 2016, byVictoria’s commissioner for Aboriginal children and young people has released a two-year investigation into state removals of Aboriginal children. Always Was, Always Will Be, Koori Children reveals not only an over-representation of Aboriginal children in child protection and out-of-home care, but the trauma associated with state care.
Footnotes
[1] The ruling Justice and Development Party remained the largest party, winning 125 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives, a gain of 18 seats compared to the 2011 elections. Abdelillah Benkirane was subsequently reappointed Prime Minister.