May 1st is the International Workers’ Day of Struggle, and this year, there are plenty of reasons to take to the streets together. The political and economic situation is extremely tense. More and more people are being driven into existential fear because they can no longer afford rent, food, and utility bills.
Our wages are not increasing nearly as fast, and the reformist unions as well as the capitalist state are letting us down, negotiating zero increases and cutting social welfare to an extent not seen since the “Agenda 2010”.
Meanwhile, there is more than enough money for ever larger armament programs. The richest countries in the world are arming at a rapid pace and preparing for the next major wars of distribution. Conscription is now to be reintroduced.
At the same time, the media and politics tell us not to look for the blame in their policies and the capitalist economic system, but in our migrant class siblings. Once again, they are made scapegoats and are the first to be covered with ever harsher repressions, led by the supposedly “left” Ampel coalition government.
The racist agitation and the economic crisis lead to a massive strengthening of fascist forces on the streets and in parliaments, covered by the police and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Because in times of crisis, capitalism also stabilizes itself through fascism, which is supposed to keep the opposition small.
For us, it is therefore clear: The fight against fascism is also the fight against capitalism.
But we are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people all over the world are taking to the streets to protest against exploitation, oppression, and war and to fight for change, as in Greece or France. These protests are beacons of hope for us because they show that we have allies all over the world.
And the fact that protest is urgently needed is shown by the reality, for the year 2024 will not bring us any relaxation. We continue to be in the worst economic crisis in decades, and the lies of politics do not disguise this. The worldwide warmongering will worsen the situation for all workers in all countries.
The only ones who can counter this are us. All of us who neither profit from war nor from the crisis! In solidarity, organized, side by side! As a neighborhood, as colleagues, as students, as activists.
So, dare to take to the streets on May 1st and join the demonstration! Carry your demands together with us onto the streets!