SSP to stand in European elections
by Ken Ferguson
The Scottish Socialist Party is to take the message that the answer
to the gathering crisis is to work for an alternative socialist society
into the European elections in June.
The party took its decision at its annual conference in Arran at the
end of March.
Amidst growing concern at the gathering economic crisis, rising unemployment
economic insecurity and concerns over climate change delegates gave a
firm yes to the need to put socialist solutions to voters.
As in Scotland with New Labour, former mass socialist parties in the
EU are now involved with saving the existing order with, for example
German social democrats in coalition with right wing Chancellor Angela
Merkel and most others adopting a pro capitalist line.
In opposition to this a range of new formations such as Das Link in Germany
and the New Anti Capitalist Party in France are staking out the ground
for socialist ideas and policies which also draw on the growing concerns
on environmental questions.
The SSP also rejected a call for a withdrawal from the EU at its conference
and will aim to campaign for radical change on a socialist programme
and will co-operate with comrades across the EU sharing that view.
Delegates clearly believed that an approach of fighting with other left
forces for demands across Europe such as a European minimum wage was
the way ahead.
The fact that a large number of the voices calling for EU withdrawal
come from right wing forces such as UKIP , the BNP and far right Tories
clearly further made the demand unattractive to delegates.
The party now faces a major battle to raise the resources including a deposit of £5,000 which are needed to fight an all Scotland election and are a major barrier to smaller parties putting their case.
Massive demonstrations in France, riots in Greece and unrest and questioning
across the EU grows daily as factories close, dole queues grow and threats
of wage and benefit cuts loom.
For the first time in many years the elections to what many see as a
toothless European parliament will have a sharp relevance for voters
who see the illusion of market capitalist prosperity evaporate like the
mirage it was.
In such a situation there is a vital need to put the alternative of a
socialist society based on need and not profit to voters.
Alongside comrades and allies in Europe the Scottish Socialist Party
will ensure hat case is put to Scottish voters.
SSP co-spokesperson Colin Fox said;
“The Scottish Socialist Party will contest the European elections on our unique
anti-capitalist programme, as we have done in all elections in the 10 years
of our existence.
“The SSP looks forward to our part in a European wide protest by the left, socialist
and anti capitalist parties at the terrible consequences for working class people
of the financial catastrophe that the banks and big business have brought upon
us.
“In the forthcoming European elections the SSP will be once again ask voters
to mark their cross beside the SSP, for socialism, independence and internationalism.”
Victories for left candidates and parties would indeed be a “spectre” to haunt the cosy coterie of capitalist politicians facing the crisis.