PORTUGAL: 'Globalise the struggles'
SAN GIAO — A huge banner with the words "Globalizar as lutas" (Globalise the struggles) heralded the 17th youth camp of the Fourth International, held in San Giao in central Portugal, July 23-29. Around 400 young people from around 12 countries participated in discussions about the way forward for the social movements and the struggle for socialism.
Francisco Louca "Chico", a Left Bloc MP in Portugal, spoke on the opening panel about the political situation in Portugal and the Left Bloc's campaigns here, such as for the legalisation of marijuana and for immigrants' rights. He urged young people to participate in the struggle for a new kind of society, commenting, "The only age that matters is the age of the struggle ahead".
There was a forum on "Effects of globalisation on youth", which discussed the corporatisation of universities and the situation of young workers, and another on the rights of gays and lesbians, during which it was announced that the Fourth International will, at next year's congress, adopt a resolution on this issue.
There were also forums on Marxism and ecology, the struggle against racism and on "Feminism: New Times, new responses" in which it was argued that globalisation reflects the fact that imperialist domination is taking different forms today than previously.
A debate occurred throughout the camp about the appropriateness of the women-only dance that was scheduled in the program. Participants debated for hours whether this would strengthen or weaken "feminist consciousness" at the camp and whether it would further the struggle against sexism. The majority of young people present believed that the women-only event was important and useful.
There were many workshops held, including on "Is sex a private matter?", the Reclaim the Streets movement, the political situation in East Timor and Indonesia, Brazilian Indians and resistance over the last 500 years, environmental racism and politics in Latin America.
There were also two "spaces" at which activity around specific subjects was ongoing during the camp. One was the women-only space to discuss self-organisation and the feminist movement. The other was the gay-only space, which organised debates open to all the camp participants on the history of homosexuality.
The final session was addressed by Fourth International leader Penny Duggan, who argued that capitalist globalisation is taking new forms and that building a network of international solidarity is not enough to counter this. Rather, she said, to have a truly global perspective required being a member of an "International" (that is, an internationally centralised party).
The final session also adopted resolutions around particular campaigns. Next year's camp will be held in Italy.
BY SARAH PEART