ESF – A Socialist World Is Possible

    Joe Higgins, Socialist Party TD (MP) for Dublin West, has been
    confirmed as the main speaker for the Socialist Party rally being held
    during the European Social Forum (ESF) next month in London.

    Naomi Byron

    The ESF (14-17 October) is already attracting interest – over 200
    people a day are registering to attend on the ESF website. Thousands are
    expected from all over Europe, and participants will come from all over
    the world.

    Many of the people that took part in the anti-war movement are looking
    for ways to change the way things are run in Britain and internationally
    and will be attracted to an event offering discussions against
    globalisation and the multinational companies. They will be hoping that
    the ESF will offer the opportunity to sample different ideas,
    organisations and movements.

    The range will be limited during the official programme, however, as
    political parties of any size are excluded from the platforms of nearly
    all of the main rallies and it is likely that socialist ideas will not be
    put forward in them.

    Members of the Socialist Party, Socialist Students and International
    Socialist Resistance (ISR) are helping to advertise the ESF. We will be
    among a small number of organisations raising socialist ideas where
    possible within the event – by organising extra meetings, stalls and
    action. It is vital that every Socialist Party branch prepares to come and
    help with our participation.

    The university Freshers’ Fairs are an ideal opportunity to get more
    young people to go to the ESF. Student unions should be asked to book
    transport to London if they haven’t already.

    Leaflets and posters to build for the ESF, which advertise the
    Socialist Party rally, are already available. Note that the first 20,000
    people to register to attend the ESF before 1 October are being offered
    free Travelcards for 15-17 October (which are worth £19.80).