Thousands Looking For An Alternative

European Social Forum (ESF)

Thousands Looking For An Alternative

THE EUROPEAN Social Forum (ESF) in London will begin with a huge rally
on Thursday 14 October, and finish on Sunday 17 with a large demonstration
through central London against war and the occupation of Iraq.

Naomi Byron

People registering to go to the ESF before 1 October are being offered
free transport within London between 15-17 October. This is apparently
subject to availability, so book as soon as possible!

The ESF will attract many thousands of people looking for a genuine
alternative to the war, terror and poverty that capitalism inflicts on the
world. Many members of the Socialist Party and ISR will be travelling to
the ESF to make sure socialist ideas and strategies are put forward for
campaigning on the key issues facing the anti-globalisation movement –
war, privatisation, cuts in public services, etc.

This will be particularly important because not all those involved in
organising the event are prepared to open up the ESF’s official sessions
in order to reflect the new layers that have been drawn into action by the
anti-war movement and recent trade union struggles.

The problems seen at other ESFs, such as having so many speakers there
is little or no time for discussion at sessions and domination of the
platforms by the same speakers with no room for young people,
rank-and-file trade unionists etc, are all being revived in London.

This makes it all the more important that these new young activists
fight for their right to be heard, and that organisations like ISR play a
prominent role in the ESF.

Whatever happens in the main sessions, ISR and Socialist Party members
will be organising events, meetings and protests where the new people who
come to the ESF looking for a way to change the world will be welcomed.