Marx21 US

A handful of simultaneous eruptions around the world at the moment are all responding to local issues and conditions, but with a feeling of desperation and rejection of politics as usual as a common background. Below, Annon Gjorge discusses the continuing protests in Albania. In Mexico tens of thousands of teachers in launched an indefinite strike this month, with protesters occupying key spaces, scuffling with brutal riot police, and bringing Mexico City to a standstill on the eve of the World Cup. In Portugal, hundreds of thousands of workers staged a second general strike last week against the right-wing government’s anti-worker “reforms.” Most impressive is Bolivia, where an uprising has been going on for months now, including mass indigenous mobilizations, close to 100 highway blockades, and a spreading general strike. We hope to report more from Bolivia soon, where masses are now resisting the military and effective martial law, in scenes reminiscent of the events that toppled leaders in 2003 and 2005. Repeal of neo-liberal “reforms” are central demands in Portugal, Bolivia, and Mexico, and, as Annon reports, part of the background in Albania. In all, the lack of a sizable, imbedded revolutionary organization is notable. But, in a period of general crisis, there are still reasons our rulers fear revolution.