Red wine, Rosa and the revolution
Newly-elected EuroMP Roseline Vachetta welcomed the 500 young revolutionaries to the 16th International Youth Camp in solidarity with the Fourth International in Brioude, France at the end of July.
Underlining the historic breakthrough represented by the election of five LO-LCR members of the European parliament, she stressed that the work of these deputies will only have an impact if it is coordinated with strong extra-parliamentary mobilisation.
During the camp, there was no shortage of suggestions. The main forums dealt with European integration, anti-racism and anti-fascism, culture, women, and internationalism
Starting from a general overview of the process of European construction, participants discussed many different aspects of the negative impact of this process on young people. High school and university students are in education systems increasingly shaped by neoliberal priorities; young people are in the labour market, as long-term unemployed, or confined to casual and part time jobs.
Stephanie Chauvin of the Political Bureau of the LCR highlighted the ways in which women are particularly affected by the casualisation of the labour market. Young women from a range of countries discussed not only their situation, but how to fight back.
Another forum highlighted the danger represented by the rise of the far-right, both its influence on the traditional right, and the alarming growth of neo-fascists gangs in Germany.
Resistance to globalisation was tackled from an unusual angle by José Ramon-known as Troglo-our invited speaker from the organisation Zutik from the Basque country, who spoke of the culture of resistance of the oppressed Basque people. He painted a vivid picture of life for a people struggling for the right to express their national identity. He stressed the role of young people in their militant affirmation of identity. He gave the arguments for a revolutionary Marxist defence of the right of oppressed people to express this resistance in the ways they feel appropriate: counterculture, civil disobedience
In the months preceding the camp, most participants had been actively involved in expressing their opposition to the NATO war in Kosovo, the policies of ethnic cleansing by Milosevic, and the right of the Kosovar people to decide about their own future.
Catherine Samary, one of the best-known left specialists on former Yugoslavia, and a leading member of the 4h International, masterfully outlined the complexities of the Balkan situation, and the outlined the main elements of rebuilding a peace movement, and building links with progressive forces
Marc (18) from Luxembourg, at his first camp, enthusiastically welcomed not only the opportunity to discuss the morning themes in the afternoon workshops, but particularly the two evening rallies on Rosa Luxembourg and the struggles of women worldwide. A moving testimony on the struggle of Algerian mothers and wives of the
"disappeared" particularly touched him.
Violette (17) from France appreciated the political activities, but felt that the best were the informal international discussions over a glass of beer.
This was the third camp for Tobias from Switzerland. He was already familiar with many of the themes discussed. For him, "the most interesting aspect is meeting so many new people from different countries". A view echoed by Adrien (20) from France, who also appreciated the interdelegation meetings.
Hugo from Portugal liked the way the day was organised which allowed for formal meetings, informal meetings, and free time. At this time people tended to congregate in the "international village" (stalls offering literature, T-shirts and posters), the video space, or just in the bar and disco.