Socialist Appeal
The Marxist voice of Labour and youth
The FIFA World Cup continues this week in Brazil, but with a very different atmosphere to what usually accompanies such an event, as the widespread protest movements and strikes taking place in the country clearly demonstrate. Here we publish an article by comrades of the Esquerda Marxista [Marxist Left] in Brazil, which highlights the enormous social and class contradictions that have surfaced around the tournament.
The World Cup events being held in 12 cities across Brazil are set to begin today. Half a million tourists are expected to flood into Brazil. However, instead of the expected celebrations and weeks of national rejoicing in a country long-known for its proud football traditions, there is an enormous tension within Brazilian society.
5th March marks one year since the death of Hugo Chávez, the great Venezuelan revolutionary, who was an inspiration to the masses in Latin America and across the world for his leading role in the Bolivarian Revolution. Alan Woods, editor of www.marxist.com and personal friend of Chávez, looks at the legacy of the late Venzuelan President.
For the last two weeks there has been a violent campaign of rioting on the part of a small number of opposition supporters in Venezuela. They have blockaded streets and avenues in an attempt to force the removal of President Maduro. What is the meaning of these actions and how should they be confronted?
The December 8th municipal elections in Venezuela gave yet another victory to the Bolivarian revolution, with the Socialist United Party (PSUV) and its allies receiving 5.1 million votes (49.24% of the total) and 4.4 million (42.72%) going to the opposition. The opposition had presented these elections as a plebiscite on Maduro's presidency; the result, however, will serve to vindicate the decision taken by Maduro's to fight against the economic sabotage led by the capitalists.