Austria – 1st of May Leaflet: Down with imperialist aggression! Intensify the struggle for revolutionary unity!
We hereby share an unofficial translation of the 1st of May leaflet published by Action for the Democratic Rights of the People (ADRV) on the 25th of April.
Austerity measures and military armament as the crisis policy of the rulers
After one round of austerity comes the next— that is the rulers solution to the crisis in Austria. Just a few months have passed since the last round, and already the federal government—the most expensive government in history—is calling for another “budget consolidation” amounting to at least 4.4 billion, and this time they intend to make drastic cuts: The retirement age is to be raised even further, wages are to fall further, and the healthcare system is to be transformed into a money-squeezing machine (“deductibles”). After years of inflation, social cuts, and attacks on labor rights, the people are expected to endure even more hardships and further lower their standard of living. The union leadership sees “no reason to fight” (1) and thus attempts to fulfill its role as a pacifier. But the discontent and anger against this are great and must be channeled and organized to promote the unity of the working class and provide momentum in the struggle to defend the people’s rights. Therefore, we say: Let us fight against the rulers austerity measures! No to further wage cuts! Let us defend the people’s rights!
At the same time, there is continued heavy military armament, and militarization and warmongering are being driven forward in lockstep with the EU—especially Germany. Austrian imperialism is playing the role of willing accomplices, turning a blind eye to even the most blatant violations of international law and neutrality. To curry favor with the militarily more powerful countries in the “West,” they allow military equipment to pass through by air and land, hoping to get a share of the “spoils” in the future. They are the maggots in the bacon of the great predators, ready to participate in any crime against the peoples and sacrifice democratic rights for their business interests. Domestically, a gag order is imposed on anti-imperialist positions, and attempts are made to shift the costs (such as the oil price) onto the shoulders of the population. It is precisely “neutral” Austria that now wants to provide a stage for genocidal Zionism at the ESC and is rolling out the red carpet, while even NATO countries like Spain have canceled their participation. No to the ESC, no stage for Zionism! Against rearmament and militarization—for the restoration of neutrality!
A Turning Point in the Struggle Against US Imperialism
Following a series of barbaric acts of aggression by the US against the countries of Latin America and Asia, signs of disintegration are now becoming apparent, along with the problems the self-proclaimed world policeman faces in asserting its global hegemony. After more than three years of barbaric genocide against Palestine, the just national liberation war has held its ground and the unity of the national forces has been consolidated. The forced ceasefire following the attack on Iran is part of a developing turning point: Iran’s just national defense war has forced US imperialism and Zionism into a temporary retreat. This success is a fact, even as US imperialism prepares to continue the war. A new cycle in the struggle of peoples and nations, especially in this region, has begun. It also represents a victory for all peoples and nations oppressed by imperialism, such as Cuba, which is a key factor in regaining hegemony over Latin America. Cuba is a “historic issue,” for its resistance against the US symbolizes the rebellion of an entire subcontinent against imperialist rule.
The imperialists’ aggression has so far failed to achieve its goals. On the contrary, the struggle in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran has shown that their demands for national liberation and sovereignty have found support among the masses all over the world, strengthening the struggle for their own causes. The resurgence of the solidarity movement has led to further powerful momentum for the anti-imperialist movement and its international unity. In April of this year, the International Anti-Imperialist League was founded in Latin America. Yankees: Hands off Venezuela and Cuba—Get out of Latin America! Support the just struggle of Iran, Palestine, and the Lebanese people against the US and Israel! Down with imperialism! Long live the Anti-Imperialist League!
Revolutionary forces are making progress
The rulers are clearly focused on reorganizing its crumbling international order. They do not even try to hide the fact that the aim is to prepare the population for a new period of hardship and military attacks. In many countries, however, powerful resistance is emerging, most notably the People’s Wars led by Communist Parties. Exemplary anti-imperialist campaigns are important signs of a development that must be strengthened: the Palestinian movement around the globe, as well as major anti-imperialist campaigns such as those against the genocidal Operation Kagaar in India.
In Austria, the anti-imperialist movement has gained significant momentum, which can also provide impetus for workers and the people to unite in defense of their economic and social rights. In addition to large-scale demonstrations, increasingly militant actions have emerged in recent times, which have not only broken through the media blackout but also promoted organization and unity on a higher, more principled level. This is the result of the progress made by communists in the struggle against timidity and pessimism, which fail to recognize the tasks and opportunities of the moment for advancing the unity of workers and the people on a revolutionary basis. It is necessary to transform the momentum of the movement into organized strength, to overcome the limitations of “activism,” and to fight to strengthen the ranks of the vanguard for the overthrow of the existing order.
Let’s fight against the rulers’ austerity measures! No to further wage cuts! Let’s defend the rights of the people!
USA: Hands off Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran! Forward in the just struggle of peoples and nations against imperialism! Down with Zionism!
Against rearmament and militarization! No to the ESC!
Strengthen the unity of anti-imperialist forces!
Down with imperialism—For the revolution!
(1) PRO-GE Chef Reinhold Binder
