Europe
UK Prime Minister Johnson forced to send request for Brexit extension after “Super Saturday” parliamentary setback
By Chris Marsden, 21 October 2019
The government is pushing for a speedy vote on Johnson’s deal, while the opposition wants to prevent one by tabling amendments, given that a no-deal Brexit outcome has been ruled out.
Pro-European Union demonstration mobilises hundreds of thousands in London
By Robert Stevens, 21 October 2019
The protest was led by a right-wing coalition of Blairites, Liberal Democrats and pro-EU Conservatives, culminating in a joint video presentation in Parliament Square, featuring John Major and Tony Blair.
Draconian verdict against Catalan politicians exposes bankruptcy of Podemos
By Alejandro López, 21 October 2019
This crisis is giving workers and youth internationally yet another bitter lesson in the reactionary role of affluent middle class, “post-Marxist” populist parties.
General strike paralyzes Catalonia as over half-a-million demonstrate in Barcelona
By Alejandro López, 19 October 2019
Broad sections of youth and workers mobilized to protest the police state that is emerging in Spain, and more broadly across Europe.
Labour leads effort to vote down Johnson’s Brexit deal
By Chris Marsden, 19 October 2019
UK members of parliament will vote today on whether or not to accept Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal with the European Union.
An open letter to all members of the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers
Stop the shift to the right at the universities!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 19 October 2019
Bernhard Kempen is using his position as president of the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers to defend the right-wing extremist historian Jörg Baberowski.
Join the protest to oppose his extradition to the United States!
Julian Assange to appear Monday at Westminster Magistrates Court
By our reporters, 19 October 2019
The World Socialist Web Site urges the widest support for Monday’s demonstration outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London starting at 9 a.m.
Zimbabwe doctors’ six-week strike continues in defiance of courts; German airline cabin crew to walk out Saturday
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
19 October 2019
Doctors in Zimbabwe are demanding their wages be pegged to the US dollar in the face of runaway inflation while Lufthansa cabin crew plan to strike Saturday over wages.
The jailing of Catalan nationalists: Spanish government builds a police state
By Alex Lantier, 17 October 2019
The Spanish Supreme Court’s sentencing Monday of a dozen Catalan nationalists to a decade in prison for sedition is a politically illegitimate ruling that will live in infamy.
After overwhelming strike vote at Royal Mail Group rank-and-file postal workers need a socialist strategy
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 16 October 2019
Postal workers are determined to fight the relentless assault that has followed privatisation. But the CWU’s sole aim is to pressure management to resume negotiations.
Communication Workers Union defies strike mandate, pledges to continue talks with Royal Mail
By our reporter, 16 October 2019
Instead of setting a date for strike action, CWU officials announced a plan to lobby individual shareholders.
Germany: Thousands of job cuts at Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank
By Gustav Kemper, 16 October 2019
The banks have pursued savage restructuring plans at the expense of their workforces so as to boost payouts to shareholders.
Nationalists win parliamentary elections in Kosovo
By Markus Salzmann, 14 October 2019
The turnout of just 44 percent shows that the majority of the population rejects the policies of the narrow layer that runs the country.
Germany: The election of the SPD leader and the decline of social democracy
By Ulrich Rippert, 14 October 2019
A glance at the list of candidates for the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) makes clear the wealthy social layers that set the tone and whose reactionary programme they represent.
Six months since the brutal arrest of WikiLeaks’ publisher Julian Assange
By Oscar Grenfell, 12 October 2019
While Assange is subjected to what amounts to torture in a British prison, the war criminals he has done so much to expose walk free.
Right-wing extremist network behind fascist synagogue attack in Germany
By Ulrich Rippert, 12 October 2019
The reality is that the “ideological inciters” of the right-wing terrorist attack in Halle hold top positions within the state and security apparatus, the intelligence agencies, the military and the federal government.
European Union continues talks with Johnson government over possible Brexit deal
By Robert Stevens, 12 October 2019
Labour MPs are reported to be “blitzing” party leader Jeremy Corbyn with demands that he support a fresh Brexit referendum being held before a general election.
Ahead of ruling in Catalan show trials
Catalan nationalists, Spanish unions and pseudo-left demobilize opposition
By Alejandro López, 12 October 2019
The Catalan bourgeois nationalists are terrified of growing opposition in the working class to the austerity and police-state policies of the Spanish ruling class. Jordi Sànchez,
Dortmund, Germany withdraws prestigious award from the author Kamila Shamsie over support for BDS
By Sybille Fuchs, 12 October 2019
The withdrawal of the prize is yet another case of censorship by the German state and local authorities, which claim to oppose anti-Semitism but in fact suppress and criminalise any criticism of the Israeli government’s right-wing policies.
New Anti-capitalist Party demands military escalation against Turkey in Syria
By Alex Lantier, 12 October 2019
The Pabloite NPA bitterly opposes a struggle to unify the working class internationally in a movement against imperialist war and the Middle Eastern bourgeoisie.
Spanish Supreme Court approves exhumation of fascist dictator Francisco Franco
By Alejandro López, 11 October 2019
Despite the legitimate hatred that millions of workers feel for Franco, the fascist dictator and mass murderer, the exhumation ruling is a dangerous political fraud.
German Nazi murders two in Yom Kippur Synagogue attack
By Johannes Stern, 10 October 2019
The Nazi assault on the Halle synagogue is aimed at demonstrating that anti-Semitism is, once again, a significant political force in Germany.
US protects NSA spy’s wife wanted in UK over teenager’s death
By Laura Tiernan, 9 October 2019
Anne Sacoolas is wanted by police over the death of the young motorcyclist in Northamptonshire on August 27 but left the UK claiming diplomatic immunity
Hundreds of Extinction Rebellion protesters arrested in central London
By Steve James, 9 October 2019
Over 500 peaceful climate protestors have been arrested in central London in just two days as part of an escalating response from the British state aimed at outlawing mass environmental protest as a form of terrorism.
“Defender 2020”: NATO powers threaten war against Russia
By Gregor Link, 8 October 2019
In the coming year, armed forces from 17 NATO states, including the US and Germany, will carry out the “Defender 2020” manoeuvres.
Pompeo signs US-Greek military alliance and threatens Iran, Russia, China
By Alex Lantier and V. Gnana, 7 October 2019
Aggressive US and European foreign policy is intensifying the risk that great-power conflict over the Balkans and the Middle East can trigger a global war.
20,000 jobs and six plants threatened at German tire maker Continental
By Marianne Arens, 5 October 2019
The company’s executive announced what is alleged to be its biggest ever reorganisation—a frontal attack on workers.
Johnson faces possible legal action as he plots to ensure UK leaves EU on October 31
By Robert Stevens, 5 October 2019
Stating last month that he would rather “die in a ditch” than request an extension, Johnson is set on a collision course with the dominant pro-Remain faction of the ruling elite that could end in legal action.
Redundant Thomas Cook workers speak out at Manchester jobs fair
By our reporters, 5 October 2019
WSWS reporters spoke to the company’s former employees attending the fair.
Ahead of state election in German state of Thuringia
Left Party Minister President Bodo Ramelow lauds the right-wing CDU
By Johannes Stern, 3 October 2019
With its right-wing and pro-capitalist policies, the Left Party, whose predecessors reintroduced capitalism into East Germany 30 years ago, bears major responsibility for the rise of the far-right.
French ex-President Jacques Chirac dead at 86
By Alex Lantier, 30 September 2019
The ubiquitous hailing of Chirac by the ruling establishment reflects above all the former Gaullist president’s ability to appeal to the political and class prejudices of the affluent middle class.
The mounting human cost of the Thomas Cook collapse
By Richard Tyler, 28 September 2019
The international scale of the crisis, with devastating economic and social implications, has rapidly become clear.
European powers endorse US war provocations against Iran
By Alex Lantier, 25 September 2019
Berlin, London and Paris endorsed US allegations that the recent attack in Saudi Arabia was an Iranian act of war, without providing any concrete evidence whatsoever.
The fascist network behind the murder of Walter Lübcke
By Peter Schwarz, 25 September 2019
Three months after the murder of Kassel’s regional president, there is mounting evidence that the Christian Democratic politician was the victim of an extreme right-wing network reaching deep into the state security apparatus.
Millions march against climate change, capitalism and war
By Bryan Dyne and Will Morrow, 21 September 2019
“Any talk about climate change must include socialism and the economic system.”
Climate strike protesters speak out: “There’s willful blindness on this issue, because fixing it conflicts with capitalism”
By our reporters, 21 September 2019
WSWS reporters spoke with climate strike protesters in cities around the globe.
Corbyn tries to unite Labour Party to solve Brexit crisis for ruling class
By Thomas Scripps, 21 September 2019
The Labour Party conference beginning Saturday will be dominated by the conflict over the party’s Brexit policy.
German workers support GM strikers in US
By our reporters, 17 September 2019
News of the strike by nearly 50,000 GM workers in the US spread like wildfire through German factories and evoked powerful support.
Boris Johnson gets short shrift from European Union leaders in Brexit talks
By Richard Tyler, 17 September 2019
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday in advance of his trip, Johnson had sought to present a tough-guy image, ridiculously invoking the Marvel superhero, the Incredible Hulk.
Blair congratulates Corbyn for “sensible and skillful” opposition to no-deal Brexit
By Thomas Scripps, 17 September 2019
Pressure is being applied on Corbyn to commit Labour to campaigning for Remain in any Brexit referendum and any general election.
“Protecting the European way of life” and “a stronger Europe in the world”
New EU Commission to intensify militarism and attacks on refugees
By Will Morrow, 16 September 2019
The European bourgeoisie is shifting so far to the right that it is dispensing even with hypocritical “humanitarian” titles that it previously bestowed on its right-wing policies.
Election in Austria: Freedom Party demonstrates its close links to the Identitarian movement
By Markus Salzmann, 16 September 2019
The speech delivered by an experienced FPÖ official to a group of several dozen neo-Nazis, shortly before the election, sends a clear signal.
British judge jails Assange indefinitely, despite end of prison sentence
By Oscar Grenfell, 14 September 2019
The ruling, which confines Assange to prison indefinitely, is the latest in a series of attacks on his legal and democratic rights by the British judiciary.
French transit workers strike against attack on pensions
By Will Morrow, 14 September 2019
The trade unions are seeking to prevent any struggle against Macron’s attack through a series of isolated one-day actions over the next month.
Defending pensions against Macron requires an international political strategy
By Alex Lantier, 14 September 2019
The way forward to defend pensions and oppose the well-advanced drive towards fascistic police state rule is to turn to the international working class.
Labour Party revokes Electronic Intifada journalist’s press pass in bid to suppress left-wing criticism
By Jean Shaoul, 14 September 2019
Labour’s censorship of Electronic Intifada is bound up with the Labour right’s efforts to silence critics of its slanderous witch-hunt of party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s left-wing supporters.
Billionaire Duke of Westminster carrying out social cleansing of working class residents in London
By Charles Hixson, 14 September 2019
Of the 141 people being evicted, eight are disabled, with some having lived in the blocks for as long as 40 years.
Russia, Ukraine carry out high-profile prisoner exchange
By Jason Melanovski, 14 September 2019
The prisoner exchange was strongly backed by France and Germany with media reports suggesting that French President Emmanuel Macron, in particular, played a central role.
IG Metall plays treacherous role in the Riva steelworkers strike
By Marianne Arens, 14 September 2019
The allies of striking Riva workers are not union officials but workers across Germany and internationally that are facing similar attacks.
Two-day strike by 4,000 British Airways pilots concludes
By Will Morrow, 12 September 2019
The strike demonstrated the immense objective power of the working class. It cancelled 1,700 flights over two days, affecting 300,000 passengers.
Corbyn addresses Trades Union Congress in a display of cynicism and hypocrisy
By Richard Tyler, 12 September 2019
Corbyn might believe that the support of the trade unions can be spun as a pro-worker endorsement, but millions know better.
German Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Greens negotiating right-wing coalition agreement in Saxony
By Martin Nowak and Johannes Stern, 12 September 2019
A new coalition would continue the right-wing policies pursued by the former CDU/SPD government, which strengthened the far-right Alternative for Germany.
Greek police detain 143 migrants in Athens raid
By George Gallanis, 12 September 2019
The vice president of Greece’s Police Union said the fascistic crackdown on refugees in Athens was like a finger turning on a “silent vacuum cleaner that will sweep up garbage.”
As Brexit deadline nears
UK government intensifies attack on freedom of movement
By Margot Miller, 12 September 2019
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel announced last week that government policy on movement to and from the EU would be “tougher” after October 31.
Scandal erupts over Público exposure of state complicity in Barcelona attack
Part III: The class issues posed by state foreknowledge of Islamist attacks
By Alejandro López, 12 September 2019
Revelations of state foreknowledge of the terror attack in Barcelona point to the premeditated, counterrevolutionary class policy pursued by the financial aristocracy.
Strike by thousands of pilots shuts down British Airways
By Richard Tyler, 10 September 2019
British Airways’ main base at Heathrow, Terminal 5, was described as a “ghost town,” as 4,000 BA pilots began a two-day strike on Monday.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson prorogues Parliament
By Robert Stevens, 10 September 2019
Johnson’s anti-democratic suspension of Parliament was carried out to prevent opposition MPs from taking control of Parliament’s order paper over the next five weeks and derailing his plans to withdraw the UK from the European Union, without a deal if necessary.
Scandal erupts over Público exposure of state complicity in Barcelona attack
Part I: Podemos and the Catalan nationalists cover for Spanish intelligence
By Alejandro López, 10 September 2019
The exposure of NATO intelligence agencies’ complicity in Islamist networks’ August 2017 terrorist attack in Barcelona has provoked a deep political crisis in Spain.
Representatives of the German establishment parties vote for fascist candidate
By Johannes Stern, 10 September 2019
The election of neo-Nazi Stefan Jagsch as local mayor in the Wetterau municipality of Altenstadt highlights the sharp turn to the right by the ruling class in Germany.
Greek riot police attack child asylum seekers and refugees at Moria camp
By John Vassilopoulos, 10 September 2019
The protestors were part of the 300 unaccompanied child asylum seekers recently interned at the camp.
UK government to target “far left” in revised Counter Extremism Strategy
By Laura Tiernan, 10 September 2019
Amid the most acute crisis of capitalist rule since the 1930s, the report is preparation for state repression against the working class and its revolutionary vanguard.
UK: Johnson hails police as “bedrock of society” as Brexit crisis intensifies
By Robert Stevens, 7 September 2019
Johnson’s paean to the police must be understood in the context of the plans by the government, under Operation Yellowhammer, to deploy the full might of the state to contain social unrest post-Brexit.
In Brexit crisis, Corbyn lines up with Tories and Blairites
By Chris Marsden, 5 September 2019
In emerging as the leading figure for the anti-Brexit wing of the ruling class, Corbyn is making clear that he has no independent political alternative to offer the working class.
Roger Waters and John Pilger make powerful defence of Julian Assange in London
By our reporters, 3 September 2019
Pilger stated: “By defending Julian Assange, we defend our most sacred rights. Speak up now or wake up one morning to the silence of a new kind of tyranny.”
Far-right Alternative for Germany makes gains in state elections
By Ulrich Rippert, 3 September 2019
The fascistic party was the main beneficiary in the collapse in support for the parties that make up the ruling grand coalition.
Roger Waters holds concert on Monday
Take forward the fight to free Julian Assange!
By Joseph Kishore, 2 September 2019
Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning are the victims of a monstrous criminal conspiracy, involving the most powerful governments in the world, the intelligence agencies and the corporate media.
UK: Nationwide protests oppose Johnson’s planned suspension of parliament
By Robert Stevens, 2 September 2019
Demonstrations took place in around 80 cities and towns. They were organised by a coalition of forces who are either outright opposed to Brexit, or the no-deal exit threatened by Johnson.
Germany: Xenophobic and anti-Semitic offences are rising sharply
By Isabel Roy, 2 September 2019
On average, there were 26 offences against immigrants or Jews each day in 2018.
Up to 600,000 children in England either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
By Margot Miller, 31 August 2019
Some councils build no new houses and are fast selling off existing stock. The Shelter charity says 3.1 million new social homes are needed over the next 20 years, including 1.27 million for homeless families.
Panorama documentary exposes human cost of gambling industry profits
By Tom Pearce, 31 August 2019
The reach of the UK gambling industry is staggering. UK gambling firms have a 39 percent world market share of the remote betting, bingo and casino sector.
Eighty years since the outbreak of World War II
By Bill Van Auken, 31 August 2019
The official ceremony marking the most barbaric event in world history is a celebration of the kind of militarism and right-wing nationalism that accompanied its outbreak.
Italy’s Five Star populists and social democrats try to form shaky coalition government
By Mike Head, 29 August 2019
The alliance is an attempt to prevent early elections and clear the way for an austerity budget to impose deeper cuts on the working class.
While Neo-Nazis kill, German authorities stonewall
By Marianne Arens, 29 August 2019
The alleged murderer of Kassel district president was known to German secret service for years.
German President Steinmeier and the Nazi massacre at Fivizzano
By Johannes Stern, 29 August 2019
Steinmeier cannot and does not want to speak about the origins of Nazi terror, because the ruling class is in the process of returning to an aggressive and imperialist foreign policy, and rehabilitating its fascist traditions.
German Socialist Equality Party answers legal document from Verfassungsschutz Secret Service
By Peter Schwarz, 28 August 2019
A legal brief submitted to the Berlin District Court by the SGP said Germany’s Secret Service was abusing its “constitutional role in a legally impermissible manner” when it “stigmatises criticism of the capitalist system as ‘anti-constitutional’.”
UK: Johnson considers suspending parliament to enforce no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 27 August 2019
The fact that the suspension of parliament to thwart opposition to government policy is being considered for the first time in more than 70 years is a testament to the crisis wracking British imperialism.
Demo article just for testing
UK: Johnson considers suspending parliament to enforce no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens and Zweiter Autor, 27 August 2019
The fact that the suspension of parliament to thwart opposition to government policy is being considered for the first time in more than 70 years is a testament to the crisis wracking British imperialism.
French government fires bus and rail workers accused of “radicalization”
By Anthony Torres, 27 August 2019
Under the cover of anti-terror laws introduced by the former Socialist Party government, the transport operators are empowered to fire workers based on government accusations.
Germany: A politically motivated verdict in Chemnitz refugee trial
By Marianne Arens and Peter Schwarz, 26 August 2019
A 24-year-old refugee from Syria has been jailed for years, so that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the extremist mob, which rampaged in Chemnitz last summer, can claim their victim.
Tens of thousands demonstrate in Dresden, Germany, against the rise of the far-right
By Martin Nowak and Christopher Lehmann, 26 August 2019
Tens of thousands marched through Dresden on Saturday to protest against the rise of the far-right a week prior to state elections in Saxony and Brandenburg.
German automaker Opel to cut workers’ hours and pay
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 26 August 2019
The action is part of a radical savings and cutback program, with which Opel’s parent company, French automaker Groupe PSA (Peugeot, Citroen), is responding to the global crisis in the auto industry.
Germany: New higher education law in North Rhine-Westphalia allows military research
By Inti Gomez and Philipp Frisch, 26 August 2019
The focus of the law is the abolition of the Civil Clause, which proscribes research for military purposes.
Trump escalates economic confrontation with China
By Andre Damon, 24 August 2019
Trump’s “order” for American companies to leave China marks a milestone in the global descent into economic nationalism and preparations for military conflict.
Massive police mobilization in Biarritz, France as G7 summit opens
By Kumaran Ira, 24 August 2019
In preparation for this weekend’s G7 summit in Biarritz, the French authorities are carrying out a massive police mobilization to prepare to suppress any opposition.
UK Prime Minister Johnson fails to secure Brexit concessions from Germany and France
By Robert Stevens, 24 August 2019
Corbyn’s meeting with Remain-supporting parties and MPs is his latest capitulation to the agenda of sections of big business opposed to leaving the EU.
“We are all equal!” Captain who saved refugees refuses award from Paris mayor
By Will Morrow, 24 August 2019
Klemp repudiated the award and denounced the anti-refugee polices of the Paris authorities.
UK: Fire breaks out in tower block near Grenfell Tower
By Steve James, 24 August 2019
The fire in Markham tower in North Kensington, just yards from Grenfell Tower, shows the criminal character of enveloping Grenfell in highly flammable cladding.
Former Ukrainian President Poroshenko faces charges over corruption and “high treason”
By Jason Melanovski and Clara Weiss, 24 August 2019
The new Zelensky government is making use of criminal charges to settle accounts within the ruling class—a well-trodden path in the fractional battles within the country’s oligarchy.
Merkel and Orbán: A sordid deal at the expense of refugees and democracy
By Peter Schwarz, 24 August 2019
On the 30th anniversary of the opening up of the Hungarian-Austrian border, Merkel and Orbán sang the praises of “freedom” while agreeing to closer military collaboration.
The political crisis in Italy
By Peter Schwarz, 21 August 2019
The problems and tasks facing the international working class as a whole are revealed in Italy as if under a microscope.
Julian Assange’s father warns WikiLeaks’ publisher’s health is “declining rapidly” in Belmarsh Prison
By Oscar Grenfell, 20 August 2019
”The government will willingly sacrifice Julian’s well-being to the demands of the US and the UK.”
Over 450 refugees stranded in the Mediterranean for weeks as EU bars entry
By Will Morrow, 20 August 2019
The EU governments have no substantial differences with the fascistic anti-immigrant policies of Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.
Blairites and Zionists escalate witch-hunt of Labour MP Chris Williamson
By Robert Stevens, 20 August 2019
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has refused to issue a single public word in defence of his former shadow cabinet minister.
The fascist attack on Guardian journalist Owen Jones
By Chris Marsden, 20 August 2019
The brutal assault on Guardian journalist Owen Jones must be taken as a grave warning of the dangers to the working class from the far right.
Germany: Plans to break up ThyssenKrupp take shape
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 19 August 2019
The ThyssenKrupp Group is accelerating its offensive against its 160,000-strong workforce.
Questions continue over Russian nuclear accident
By Andrea Peters, 17 August 2019
The dangers associated with the rapidly accelerating global arms race are clear, even as questions remain over the nature of the nuclear explosion that occurred in Russia’s far north last week.
UK: Record £9.2 billion of NHS budget handed to private firms
By Ben Trent, 17 August 2019
A third of hip replacements carried out in the NHS are now done privately and community health and mental health provision have seen five years of continual gains by the private sector.
German Greens prepare for participation in government
By Peter Schwarz, 17 August 2019
Fourteen years after the failure of the first Social Democrat-Green Party government, the Greens are being considered as a viable party of government in Germany once again.
Nearly five million people in the UK live in “deep poverty”
By Dennis Moore, 17 August 2019
An army of 14.3 million people are in poverty with a third (4.5 million) in “deep poverty” and living on the breadline.
Portugal’s social-democratic government calls out army against truckers’ strike
By Alex Lantier, 14 August 2019
The financial aristocracy has made clear that it will not tolerate workers’ demands for a dramatic rise in wages and working conditions, proper rest times, and fundamental social change.
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