5) Angela Klein, 22.11.12: Berichte von Florenz 10+10 neu // 4) Nicola Bullard, 22.11.12: Report on Florence 10+10, November 8-11, 2012 // 3) H.Dworczak, 14.11.12: BILANZ VON FIRENZE 10 plu s10 // 2) M.Reichl, 12.11.2012: Mehr als 4000 Aktive bei Europäischem Strategietreffen Firenze 10+10 //1) H.Dworczak, 11.11.2012: FIRENZE 10+ 10 ERÖFFNET
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M.Reichl: Mehr als 4000 Aktive bei Europäischem Strategietreffen Firenze 10+10
Mehr als 4000 Aktivistinnen und Aktivisten aus ganz Europa haben am
Wochenende auf dem europäischen Strategietreffen “Firenze 10+10″ einen
europäischen Protestfahrplan beschlossen. Er beinhaltet den
südeuropäischen Generalstreik am 14. November, den EU-Frühlingsgipfel
im März in Brüssel sowie einen großen Alternativengipfel Anfang Juni
in Athen.
* Am 14. November finden in ganz Europa Streiks, Demonstrationen,
Versammlungen und andere Aktionen gegen die desaströse Krisenpolitik
der Regierungen statt. Der Europäische Gewerkschaftsbund (EGB) ruft
zum Generalstreik in Südeuropa auf – unter anderem in Portugal,
Spanien, und Italien. Von Firenze 10+10 ging ein starkes Zeichen der
Unterstützung, Solidarität und Beteiligung an dem Streik aus.
* Zu den geplanten Protesten beim EU-Frühjahrsgipfel im März sagt
Attac-Obfrau Alexandra Strickner: “Ein wichtiges Thema dieser
Mobilisierung wird die konsequente Ablehnung der Pläne für eine
neoliberale Fiskal- und Wirtschaftsunion sein. Wir wollen alles daran
setzen, die Umsetzung dieses autoritären, antisozialen Vorhabens zu
verhindern.”
* Ein weiterer Höhepunkt des Treffens in Florenz war die
Vorstellung des Alter Summit. Dabei handelt es sich um einen
gemeinsamen Diskussionsprozess von sozialen Bewegungen, Gewerkschaften
und alternativen Wissenschaftsnetzwerken mit dem Ziel, gemeinsame
Forderungen zu entwickeln und Aktivitäten zu koordinieren. Münden soll
der Prozess im Juni in einen großen Alternativengipfel in Athen.
Wichtige gemeinsame Forderungen waren in Florenz unter anderem der
Stopp der Austeritätspolitik, die Streichung illegitimer Schulden und
eine Umverteilung des gesellschaftlichen Reichtums von oben nach
unten. “Europaweit erleben wir einen historischen Angriff auf soziale
Rechte und Demokratie. Die südeuropäischen Sozialstaaten und Ökonomien
sind so weit zerstört, dass Armut, Massenarbeitslosigkeit,
Obdachlosigkeit und gesellschaftliche Erosion wieder zum europäischen
Alltag gehören”, erklärt Strickner. Die Krisenpolitik von EU, Troika
und Regierungen ziele darauf ab, diese Attacke gegen die Menschen
europaweit zu institutionalisieren. Das Treffen “Firenze 10+10″ fand
zehn Jahre nach dem ersten europäischen Sozialforum wieder in Florenz
statt.
Mehr Informationen:
Firenze 10 + 10: www.firenze1010.eu
Generalstreik am 14.11: Webseite: http://www.europeanstrike.org
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english
Firenze 10+10 ends: call for action and road-map
More than 4 thousand participants, 300 networks and organisations from
28 countries from all over Europe and beyond, met at Fortezza da Basso
in Florence, to debate and strategize together for another Europe.
Over 100 meetings, and many new networks and campaigns launched. A
call for common action emerged from the convergences, and a proposed
roadmap:
JOINING FORCES FOR COMMON EUROPE
Our Democracy instead of Their Austerity
Social organizations, social movements, trade unions and citizens
working against austerity and debt, for natural and social commons,
for social and labour rights, for democracy, global justice and peace,
for gender issues and migrant rights have gathered in Florence 10+10.
We call for a European permanent mobilization to support the fights
against the crisis and build a future for everyone in Europe and in
the world. This mobilization will include both convergence and
decentralizes actions.
The first unifying initiative towards a European-wide convergence is
the General strikes and mobilisations against austerity in many
countries in Europe on the 14 of November 2012.
We propose to have a common day of action on the occasion of the EU
Spring Summit, which will take place in Brussels on March 23rd. The
format and final call for this common mobilization will be discussed
and agreed in the following months in an open and participatory process.
We call for endorsement of the following actions and mobilizations
18 December 2012: World Migrants Day
23-27 January 2013: Action Against Finanziarization of life and
commons (actions against banks)
8 March 2013: European action affirming women emancipation
against austerity and debt
26-30 March 2013: World Social Forum in Tunis
May 2013: Blockupy in Frankfurt (Germany)
7-9 June 2013 (proposal): Alter Summit in Athens (Greece)
June 2013: G8 Counter Summit in UK (tbc)
Concrete solidarity actions to support the people hit by the
Austerity policies as well as the victims of racist violence and abuse
All organisations and movements may endorse the actions in which to
participate and the forms for doing so.
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11.11.2012
H.Dworzcak: FIRENZE 10+ 10 ERÖFFNET
Donnerstag Vormittag wurde in der Fortezza da Basso „Firenze 10+10“ eröffnet.10 Jahre nach der Gründung des Europäischen Sozialforums (ESF) trifft ma/frau sich wieder. Nicht um zu „feiern“, sondern um vorauszuschauen- insbesonders wie gemeinsam und gesamteuropäisch gegen die Krisen des Kapitalismus mobilisiert werden kann.
In diesen 10 Jahren ist wahrlich viel passiert: neoliberale Offensive, die offen ausbrechende ökonomische Krise- die schwerste seit 1929, ökologische Debakel, die politische Orientierungslosigkeit der EU etc.
Viele (Abwehr)kämpfe hat es gegeben- nach wie vor ist es jedoch das Kapital, das den Ton angibt.
Die Bewegungen- auch das ESF- müssen sich neu aufstellen, mit neuen AkteurInnen bzw. politischen Kräften muss der Dialog und die Kooparation gesucht werden. All das macht die Agenda von „Firenze 10+10 “ aus. Bis Sonntag wird man beraten und auch einige gemeinsame Aktionen hier vor Ort durchführen. Freitag den 9.November wurde mit einer Kundgebung der °Reichskristallnacht° der Nazis gedacht und auf die Notwendigkeit des Kampfes gegen die extreme Rechte heute verwiesen.
Bei der zweistündigen Eröffnungsveranstaltung wurde immer wieder betont, wie wichtig es ist, die Zersplitterung zu überwinden und stattdessen „Die Kräfte zu vereinigen “ (diese Parole hängt auch auf dem Eingangstor zur Fortezza). Die Chancen dafür stehen nicht so schlecht. Daß Solidarität -inbesonders Griechenland, das unter dem Diktat der „Troika“ leidet- geholfen werden muß, wurde von etlichen SprecherInnen betont. Auf Firenze 10 plus 10 folgt im März das WSF ikn Tunesien, wo der „arabische Frühling “ seinen Anfang nahm. Im April oder Mai gibt es in Wien das „Zentral-und Osteuropäische Sozialforum“. Schließlich soll diese Kette von Treffen, Analysen, Alternativen und paneuropäischen Aktionen in Athen Juni/ Juli 2013 auf dem „Alter Summit“ ihren vorläüfigen Höhepunkt finden.
Es geht um nicht weniger, als dem Europa der Monopole und Generäle ein anderes Europa gegenüberzustellen. Wie dieses konkret aussehen könnte, darüber muß und wird noch mächtig zu debattieren sein. Meines Erachtens wird dies nur via eines radikalen „Bruchs“ möglich sein- wenn also eine Gesellschaft jenseits der Profitlogik anvisiert wird. Um das Kind ohne Umschweife beim Namen zu nennen: ein pluraler „Sozialismus des 21.Jahrhunderts“.
Hermann Dworczak (0043 / 676 / 972 31 10)
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H.Dworczak: BILANZ VON FIRENZE10plus10
1O Jahre nach dem 1. ESF traf man/frau sich wieder in Florenz. Nicht um zu „feiern“, sondern vor allem um kritisch zu bilanzieren und nach vorne zu schauen.
Vor 10 Jahren waren wir 70 OOO, an der Demo gegen den drohenden Irak- Krieg nahm eine Million Menschen teil. Diesmal waren wir einige Tausend (die Zahl 4000, die kursiert, scheint mir zu hoch gegriffen).
Die Veranstaltung in Florenz lief nicht unter dem Titel „10 Jahre ESF“, sondern eben „Firenze10plus 10“. Neue AkteurInnen sollten angesprochen werden (Occupy, Indignados,usw.), was aber nur recht beschränkt der Fall war. Wenn ich so meine Runden durch die Seminare und Plena zog, sah ich viele, viele bekannte Gesichter… Von den „großen“ Gewerkschaften kam die CGIL, die CGT, weiters waren GewerkschafterInnen aus Belgien da und die Cobas. Auch die Versuche mehr politische Linkskräfte einzubinden, gelang nur zum Teil. Von daher läßt sich ohne wenn und aber sagen: um das ESF kann auch in Zukunft keinerlei „Umweg“ gemacht werden!
Trotz dieser Einschränkungen läßt sich für „Firenze10plus10“ insgesamt eine positive Bilanz ziehen. Überall war der Wille zu spüren, angesichts der offen ausbrechenden Krisen des Kapitalismus gemeinsam und gesamteuropäisch zu agieren. Es wurde eine Art road map von Aktivitäten bis hin zum Altersummit im Juni 2013 in Athen beschlossen- u.a.: Internationaler Aktionstag der Gewerkschaften am 14.November; Weltsozialforum in Tunis im März 2013; Zentral- und Osteuropäisches Sozial und Umwelforum in Wien im Mai 2013 etc.
Das Niveau in etlichen Seminmaren war hoch, das Klima produktiv und solidarisch. U.a. wurde ein Text zur Gefahr des ansteigenden Rechtsextremismus erarbeitet und im Schlußplenum angenommen.
Das Schlußplenum zeigte aber auch die zahlreichen Hürden, die es noch zu überwinden gilt. Trotz etlicher -stundenlanger- Sitzungen, gelang es nicht einen gemeinsamen, fundierten Text zu erarbeiten. Verabschiedet konnte nur die Liste der gemeinsamen Aktivitäten plus einer mehr als dürftigen „Einleitung“ werden.
Demzufolge gilt es jetzt verstärkt die Ärmel aufkrempeln: die inhaltlichen Analysen zu vertiefen, die Netzwerke international zu verschränken, gemeinsam die anstehenden Aktionen vorzubereiten und durchzuführen. Nur dann wird der Altersummit ein Erfolg sein und uns im Kampf gegen die Krisen des Kapitalismus real weiterbringen.
HOCH DIE INTERNATIONALE SOLIDARITÄT!
Hermann Dworczak (Aktivist im Austrian Social Forum;0043/676/9723110)
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Report on Florence 10+10, November 8-11, 2012
Nicola Bullard
This four-day event was organised and hosted by Italian movements, trade unions and associations. The aim was mark the ten-year anniversary of the 2002 Florence European Social Forum and to create a space at the European level for discussing, organising and mobilising in the context of the current “crisis” situation, recognising that the European Social Forum process has ground to a halt. In effect, this meeting marked the “death” of the ESF but (perhaps) the beginning of something new.
Before analysing some of the results and dynamics of Florence 10 + 10, it is important to acknowledge and congratulate the Italian comrades who, in spite of all the difficulties (and now facing the prospect of a big shortfall in funds) undertook this work in the hope of giving impetus to building trans-European solidarity and strategies. Their task was not easy.
I would also like to underline that this report is very partial. I was not involved in the planning process, I was not present on the first day, and obviously I could not participate in all the convergence or side events.
The event itself was organised around five clusters: Democracy; Finance/debt/austerity; Labour and social rights; Commons and public services; Europe in the Mediterranean and the world. In addition, groups working on gender and migrant issues organised convergences.
The idea was that the thematic convergences would take place over two days, resulting in a final set of agreements and actions. These convergences in turn would be synthesised into a single document/statement.
I participated in the commons and public services convergence, which brought together many groups working on different issues and campaigns; including research on financialisation of nature, new forms of investment in infrastructure, anti-privatisation campaigns, in particular water, and communities resisting “big useless projects” such as the high speed train in Italy and the Notre Dame des Landes airport in France. The discussions and the convergences were well facilitated and the main conclusions were (i) commoning is more than anti-privatisation; it is an explicitly anti-capitalist practice and a response to the crisis (ii) it would be useful to write a text bringing together the commons and the austerity politics and (iii) proposals to organise local mobilisations that highlight the commons as a source of life and well-being. (If anyone is interested, a detailed report is available and the final outcome will be posted on the Florence 10 +10 website.)
Drafting the final text
The statement produced by Florence 10+10 is one of the main outcomes. I found the process and discussions that produced the text emblematic of the broader dynamic in Florence 10+10 and, indeed, across Europe.
The idea was that the outcomes of the five convergences would be merged into a common text, which was done by a small group on Friday evening. The text was presented to the plenary of about 400 people Saturday morning. It was not well accepted and the plenary broke into language groups to discuss. In all groups the feeling was that the text did not reflect agreements on key issues (such as debt) nor did it reflect the results of the convergences. It was proposed that a new drafting process should start. About 50 people (including myself), from many countries, joined the meeting to discuss the new text. In my estimate at least half of the group was below 35 years old which (as many of you will know) is quite unusual for ESF-type processes. In addition, it was interesting that the Italian organisers did not try to manage this process, although there were Italian representatives who contributed their views. The discussion was well-facilitated (by two younger people) and we heard reports from all the language groups as well as the convergence groups. After two hours of reports and discussions, it was agreed that the first draft was not acceptable and that a smaller group should attempt a new text, which would be relatively simple and short.
To give an example of the divergences and different approaches present in Florence, in one exchange during the discussion on the statement a person from indignad@s in Spain proposed that the text should have a tone of “action” and personal commitment: “We will…” rather than “They should…”. In response, an (older) person from one of the large Italian movements argued that this approach was not strategic because it did not name the political “target” or take into account the balance of forces. As a caricature this exchange showed the difference between the “old” institutional politics and the “new” autonomous/individualistic/horizontal approach represented by Occupy and indignad@s. This dynamic was visible in other spaces as well.
The final document managed to navigate these differences and the result is a very short text (see below) that simply states the fact of the meeting, that we will organise against austerity and debt, and names 23 March 2013 as a key day for protest, both in Brussels and across Europe.
In the process of approving the text on Sunday morning, there were several quite aggressive interventions criticising the text for not mentioning, first and foremost, the 14 November “general strike” (while also implying that the process of drafting the new text was undemocratic and ignored the “workers”). No one disagreed with the proposal to add 14 November to the first paragraph of the text, but the way in which the debate was conducted showed that there are still wide divergences in political culture and methodology that make it difficult for diverse organisations and individuals to work together in the European space.
Although my assessment is that Florence was an important step (hopefully forwards!) I also believe that the whole process reflected (i) the weakness (and inflexibility) of the trade union movement (ii) the general weakness of the movements in Italy and Europe (iii) the lack of consensus on some key issues such as debt and growth and (iv) the difficulties in building processes that are democratic, inclusive and effective. Nonetheless, the final text is a useful starting point.
Alter Summit
Just a few words on the Alter Summit, to be held in Athens 7-9 June 2013 (dates to be confirmed).
First, some background, quoting directly from the Alter Summit website:
History of the Alter Summit
In 2011, about twenty trade unions and social movements from Europe, having discussions with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), decided to launch a process of joint discussion: the Joint Social Conference (JSC). Its purpose was to gather each springtime, when the decision-makers of the European Union would make their socio-economic decisions. By doing so, a large platform of actors from the trade unions and social movements would express « our » political priorities instead of « theirs ».
In 2012, this appeal has been enlarged to three types of actors: numerous other social movements, researchers networks and cultural and political personalities, willing to show personal support. The decision to enlarge the appeal was twofold. First, the credibility of our alternatives. They are now shared by a large group of organizations and currents of thought. Second: action is needed! This is an emergency! Europe is facing a democratic danger because the European institutions are reducing the autonomies of the States in order to impose austerity measures.
The leading “personalities”, movements, networks, NGOs and trade unions, as well as hundreds of individuals supporting the Alter Summit are listed on their website. (See HYPERLINK „http://www.altersummit.eu/-Signatures-.html#liste4“ http://www.altersummit.eu/-Signatures-.html#liste4)
The presentation of the Alter Summit in Florence — which took up a full afternoon — was described variously as a “piece of theatre” or a return to the “Central Committee” as the style was very top-down and non-participatory, with a lot of long speeches. There is criticism — even from groups that are part of the Alter Summit — that the process is closed. This is deliberate, mainly, I think, because the trade unions do not want to be part of what they see as “ineffective” (and radical) open ESF-type processes that they cannot control. Indeed, the JSC is a response from the unions to their critique of the 2008 European Social Forum in Malmo.
In terms of the support in Greece, it is interesting to note that only one Greek organisation is listed as supporting to Alter Summit (although we can assume that some of the European organisations include Greek members, for example trade unions, Transform! Europe, etc). Apparently Syriza, both as the political party, and as an important and growing faction of both the public and private trade unions, is supporting the Alter Summit, meaning that at least those groups and political entities in the Syriza circle will mobilise for the Alter Summit.
In terms of how to relate to the Alter Summit, one suggestion is not to confront it directly, but to use it as a moment to build a momentum and to organise other events around the summit.
There is also the question: what will be the situation in Greece in the middle of next year? All this remains to be seen: suffice to say, the situation is complex and fluid. (Your contacts in Greece can give a much more detailed analysis of the situation there.)
Next steps: The “European Spring”
Having identified 23 March 2013 — during the spring European Council Summit — as the next main mobilisation, the challenge now is to make that happen.
The format and final call for the common mobilization will be discussed and agreed in the following months in an open and participatory process. However, it is not clear how this will happen, in particular by whom and how the process will be facilitated and co-ordinated.
Clearly, it will be important for Belgium organisations to take some initiative to plan for actions in Brussels and how these can be linked to actions elsewhere. Ideally, it would be very helpful if a broad coalition of Belgium/Brussels based groups could host a meeting for planning and mobilisation early in the year (trade unions, political parties, NGOs, movements etc). However, given that many of the key organisations based in Brussels are oriented towards the Alter Summit, it is not clear whether they are willing to expend time on the March mobilisation. The challenge is to convince them that this is a three-step process: Florence-Brussels-Athens.
It would be useful for RLS to discuss how to mobilise for 23 March with all its relevant partners and allies.
Final statement of Florence 10+10
More than 4 thousand participants, 300 networks and organisations from 28 countries from all over Europe and beyond, met at Fortezza da Basso in Florence from November 8th to 11th, to debate and strategize together for another Europe. Over 100 meetings took place and many new networks and campaigns were launched. A call for common action and a proposed roadmap emerged from the convergence meeting:
JOINING FORCES FOR COMMON EUROPE
Our Democracy instead of Their Austerity
Social organizations, social movements, trade unions and citizens working against austerity and debt, for natural and social commons, for social and labour rights, for democracy, global justice and peace, for gender issues and migrant rights have gathered in Florence 10+10.
We call for a European permanent mobilization to support the fights against the crisis and build a future for everyone in Europe and in the world. This mobilization will include both convergence and decentralizes actions.
The first unifying initiative towards a European-wide convergence is the General strikes and mobilisations against austerity in many countries in Europe on the 14 of November 2012.
We propose to have a common day of action on the occasion of the EU Spring Summit, which will take place in Brussels on March 23rd. The format and final call for this common mobilization will be discussed and agreed in the following months in an open and participatory process.
We call for endorsement of the following actions and mobilizations
18 December 2012: World Migrants Day
23-27 January 2013: Action against financialization of life and commons (actions against banks)
8 March 2013: European action affirming women emancipation against austerity and debt
26-30 March 2013: World Social Forum in Tunis
May 2013: Blockupy in Frankfurt (Germany)
7-9 June 2013 (proposal): Alter Summit in Athens (Greece)
June 2013: G8 Counter Summit in UK (tbc)
Concrete solidarity actions to support the people hit by the Austerity policies as well as the victims of racist violence and abuse
All organisations and movements may endorse the actions in which to participate and the forms for doing so.
Reports from the 5 alliance spheres, appeals and other documents will be posted on the www.firenze1010.eu website as they are sent to: info@firenze1010.eu
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Angela Klein: Berichte von Florenz 10+10
Bericht: Angela-Klein_Bericht Florenz 10+10 (pdf)
Kampagnen und Aktionen: Kampagnen und Aktionen (pdf)