Marxists condemn the terrible slaughter that took place today in Madrid.
Ordinary men, women and children were mercilessly butchered. But the reason for
our opposition has nothing to do with the hypocrisy of the bourgeois politicians
who are not averse to violence and bloodshed when it suits them. We oppose
individual terrorism because it is counterproductive and always produces results
that are diametrically opposed to those intended. This act will strengthen the
right.
Today hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of Madrid and
other Spanish cities in a spontaneous outpouring of pain, grief and rage. The
people of the Basque Country were to the fore in expressing their indignation at
the massacre in Madrid. Ordinary working class people extended their hand in
friendship and solidarity from one end of the country to another.
The present period of world history is characterised by colossal and unprecedented instability on a global scale. This expresses itself in sudden and violent swings in the mood of both the ruling class and the masses. Moods of despair alternate with moods of euphoria. Violent swings to the right are followed by even more violent swings to the left. The past few days in Spain confirm this.
On November 12, 13 and 14, the XII National Congress of the Spanish
Students’ Union took place in Madrid. There were 130 students present
from all over the country. The Congress was extremely useful in
strengthening the organization and there were lively debates which
allowed the Union to ideologically arm themselves to face the events
that will take place in the next period.
One year ago the Zapatero PSOE government came to power after a truly
gigantic mobilisation of the masses. Apart from a few minor reforms the
direction of this government has not changed in any fundamental way
from that of the previous PP government. The workers and youth are
watching and drawing lessons. Sooner or later this government will face
the wrath of the Spanish workers. Editorial statement of El Militante, the journal of the Spanish Marxists.