Upcoming events: What next for the Bolivarian revolution?

Upcoming public meetings organised by Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! (FRFI)

Join us as we reflect on the legacy of Hugo Chavez and analyse the current situation in Venezuela, including the April elections.

London:

Wednesday 17 April @ 7.30pm

The Apple Tree pub
45 Mount Pleasant,

Clerkenwell, WC1X 0AE

Speakers from the FRFI delegation to Venezuela, October 2012:
• Cat Allison, editorial board, Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!
• Ihtisham Ul Haq, director of Viva Venezuela! documentary

Inevitably, the international capitalist press is declaring the end of the Bolivarian Revolution; that it died alongside Chavez. This is a lie. It has never been about just one man. Whilst we celebrate the immense contribution of Hugo Chavez to the struggle for socialism, we recognise that it is a process being taken forward by millions of Venezuelans.

The organisation of the working class continues, to transform society from one of neoliberal exploitation, hunger, sickness and poverty, and to build a society that meets the needs of its people.

On 14 April, Venezuela will hold fresh presidential elections and the United Socialist Party candidate, Nicolas Maduro, the previous vice-president supported by Chavez, will stand against the neoliberal reactionary Henrique Capriles Radonski. Maduro has stated his commitment to Programa Patria, the programme that swept Chavez to victory in the October 2012 election.

As the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who are mobilising behind Maduro to defend their revolution proclaim 'Chavez Vive! La Lucha Sigue - Chavez lives! Thefight continues!'

Manchester:

Wednesday 17 April @ 730pm

The Vine Inn

42-44 Kennedy Street,
M2 4BQ Manchester

Venezuela After Chavez: The Revolution Continues

Following the death of Hugo Chavez, the charismatic and inspiring leader of Venezuela's 'Bolivarian Revolution', his country holds elections on 14 April. This is an important political event that will affirm the struggle for socialism by the majority of Venezuelans. Despite the 'uncertainty' talked about by the BBC and
other pro-capitalist media groups, Nicolas Maduro of Chavez's United Socialist Party (PSUV) will win the election and carry on building the revolution, in alliance with Cuba and other revolutionary forces.

At a time when the British government is deepening austerity and punishing working class people for the economic crisis of the rich, Venezuela is on the front line, showing there is an alternative.

Newcastle:

Thursday 18 April @ 7pm

Barloco
22 Leazes Park Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PG

FILM: The Revolution Will Not be Televised

The imperialist-backed coup attempt in April 2002, against Chavez, was overwhelmingly defeated by the people. This brilliant documentary captures the unfolding events.

Join us as we reflect on the huge regional and international legacy left by Hugo Chavez and analyse the current situation in Venezuela, including the April elections.

Inevitably, the international capitalist press is declaring the end of the Bolivarian Revolution; that it dies alongside Chavez. This is a lie. It has never been about just one man; whilst we celebrate the immense contribution of Hugo Chavez to the struggle for Socialism in Venezuela, we recognise that
it is being built from below.

The organisation of the Venezuelan working class continues, in order to transform society from one of neoliberal exploitation, hunger, sickness and poverty, to build a society that meets the needs of its people.

Liverpool:

Saturday 20th April @ 2pm

The Black E,
1 Great George Street,
L1 5EW Liverpool

Life and Legacy of Hugo Chavez: What next for the Bolivarian Revolution?

A documentary showing followed by speakers including Rachel Boothroyd from Venezuelanalysis, followed by a general discussion.

The death of Hugo Chavez robbed the people of Venezuela and Latin America of a great revolutionary leader. This meeting is a celebration of his life, of the achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution, and a discussion of its future following the presidential election on 14 April.

Glasgow:

Sunday 21 April @ 1pm

Upstairs at The Piper on the Square

57 Cochrane Street

Glasgow, G1 1HL

‘The revolution continues!’ Discussion on Venezuela and the fight against austerity

Despite the lies and propaganda of the international capitalist press, the Bolivarian revolution did not die alongside its leader – Hugo Chavez. Whilst we celebrate the immense contribution of Chavez to the struggle for socialism, we recognise it is a process being taken forward by millions of Venezuelans. The organisation of the working class continues to transform society from one of neoliberal exploitation, hunger, sickness and poverty, and to build a society that meets the needs of its people.

Contrast this with the choice the working class in our own country faces in April – another round of savage attacks: the Welfare Reform Act, the slashing of disability allowance, the ‘bedroom’ tax and further destruction of local services. The sick farce of the millions being spent on Margaret Thatcher’s funeral demonstrates the depth of contempt those in power have for ordinary people.

Join FRFI for a discussion on revolutionary developments in Venezuela – from massive programmes of public house building to radical achievements in healthcare, education and workers democracy – and what we can learn for the struggles against the bedroom tax and austerity here. No to austerity – yes to socialism!