Meanwhile in Wales, Plaid Cymru have formed their first ever government. Labours electoral dominance has been overturned, winning fewer seats than Reform who came second. Without a majority Plaid will need support to pass any motions, presumably from Labour. Plaid have presented themselves as the alternative to Reform and bringers of radical change. Their flagship policy is universal childcare - 20 hours a week for all 9 month to four year olds. This has come under intense scrutiny from the right who condemn it as 'unaffordable'.
Historically, Plaid has a long tradition of anti-militarism. This was cemented in 1936 in Penyberth, Gwynedd, when a mass campaign against the construction of a bombing school culminated in three prominent party members burning the school down in the tradition of non-violent protest. In recent years this commitment has wavered, with their leader Rhun ap Iorwerth stating "it's not a call for the UK to withdraw from NATO for me" and that while an independent Wales may decide not to be a member, that it "would want to have a very close relationship with NATO". Similar moves towards militarism have also been seen in the Green Party of England and Wales, who have won their first ever seats in the Senedd.The issue of Welsh nationalism has also become an increasingly hot topic. With elements of Reform wanting to see the powers of the Senedd restricted (or simply abolished), even the Lib Dems vowed to oppose any money being spent on investigating the viability of independence. Meanwhile Plaid have emphasised they will not push for a referendum on the issue this term, but that it remains a long term goal. As anarchist communists we are one of the few groups that oppose nationalism in all its forms and see the necessity of a global revolution to abolish capitalism. The bludgeon is no softer if it is held by a Welsh police officer, the public sector cuts no less deep.
Despite major electoral changes, little has changed for everyday people in Wales. Plaid are more interested in promoting Welsh businesses than the struggles of the working class. Meanwhile strikes are few and far between with the Welsh Trades Union Congress committed to social partnership with the government. This has done very little to help the Tata Steel workers or university employees who have faced major job cuts. As we go to press, the health visitors of Cwm Taf Morgannwg have been on strike since February 23. Welsh workers don't need class cooperation with their exploiters, but a revival of their proud tradition of militancy and solidarity.
https://www.anarchistcommunism.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/jackdaw_low-res.pdf
_________________________________________
Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten