People's Democracy

CPI(M) Greets the 18th Congress of PCE

The following is the text of the greetings sent by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Spain- PCE on  November 6, 2009. Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M)attended the Congress on behalf of the Party.

Dear Comrades,

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) conveys its warm fraternal greetings to all the delegates attending the 18^th Congress of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) and through them to the entire membership of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE).

The Communist Party of Spain has a glorious history of struggle against fascism and defending the rights of the working class. The sufferings and sacrifices of Spanish comrades, your indomitable courage in the struggle against Franco's fascism and the heroic sacrifices for the liberation of the Spanish working class and people, fully reflect the revolutionary spirit and idealism of the working class guided by Marxism-Leninism. The years of Civil War in the 1930's saw the emergence of Dolores Ibarruri-La Passionaria-at the head of the Spanish Communist Party. Leading the fight against fascism, she was an inspiration to all communists and progressive people throughout the world. Inspired by your actions, people from many countries had come to Spain, to fight fascism shoulder-to-shoulder along with you. The International Brigade representing the best minds in the world, is one such inspiring example of international solidarity.

Comrades,

The 18^th Congress of the PCE is being held at a time when the entire world is suffering from acute capitalist crisis. This crisis of international financial capital is far graver than any other crisis in the history of capitalism, affecting all the sectors of the economy. The ramifications of this crisis are being felt across the world. The global economy is expected to shrink for the first time since World War II and global trade is expected to fall for the first time in three decades.

The crisis will trap 90 million more people in poverty in 2009, according to World Bank research and between 1.4 and 2.8 million more babies may die by 2015, if the crisis persists. The OECD estimates that more than 57 million people are going to join the numbers of unemployed. Hunger too is on the rise with official estimates of the UN stating that more than 102 million people have joined the ranks of the hungry due to this recession. This means that the number of people suffering from hunger in the world had breached the one billion mark. The social impact of the crisis too is being felt everywhere with rising discontent, increasing protests and riots for food.

This crisis has once again resoundingly vindicated the Marxist understanding of capitalism. It has exposed the unsustainability of the path of globalisation pursued for the past few decades and also the bankruptcy of neo-liberalism�its ideological mask. The present crisis is a systemic crisis. The real way out is possible, only by overthrowing the crises ridden capitalist system.

Comrades,

The objective conditions are opening up possibilities which we can utilise in strengthening the popular movements. We have to intervene effectively to advance the movement for social emancipation and end the exploitation of man by man. The only way for humanity's liberation from this exploitation is the establishment of a socialist system.

The ruling classes are using all the powers at their disposal to malign Marxism-Leninism and dissuade people from joining the ranks of communists. The recent decisions of the OSCE equating communism with fascism is nothing but one such an attempt to ideologically corrupt the people. Our fight against the system is thus going to be long and arduous. The time has come to warn the capitalists, No pasaran! They shall not pass.

Dear Comrades,

 As you might be aware, India had a general election to the parliament in the first half of this year and the results are a setback for the Left. The CPI(M) had reviewed its performance and self-critically introspected the results. The Central Committee had already worked out a plan of action to overcome these weaknesses in the coming days.

The present Congress led UPA coalition government, which is no more dependent on the support of the Left, has embarked on a drive for implementing its neo-liberal agenda and continue its strategic alliance with the US. It is due to the role played by the CPI(M) and the Left that the country was saved from the brunt of global capitalist crisis. Even the partial impact it had on the country had resulted in the closure of many industrial units. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their jobs. These adverse affects on the livelihoods of the common people, is compounded by the acute agrarian crisis. Rising prices, increasing poverty and unavailability of food are the burning issues before the people. The CPI(M) had taken up various initiatives on these issues, led many struggles and will continue to do so.

Dear Comrades,

Once again, on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) we convey our warm fraternal greetings to the 18^th  Congress of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE). We are confident that you will be working out the correct strategy and tactics to meet the situation and carry forward the struggle for the establishment of a socialist society. In this struggle, you can count on the solidarity and support of the CPI (M).

The CPI(M) and the Communist Party of Spain (PCE)  have a long association of friendship and understanding. We are confident that this mutual trust and bonds of friendship will get further strengthened in the days ahead.

 Wishing your Congress all success,

Central Committee

Communist Party of India (Marxist)