In recession rubble, Left looks for revival

The upside of the downturn is that Left parties now see a chance for socialism, with faith in free markets faltering, reports Zia Haq.

With a pair of socialist eyes, the recession may look good.

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The upside of the downturn is that Left parties now see a chance for socialism, with faith in free markets faltering.

An alternative to capitalism — Communists say it can only be socialism — is the talking point at the international communist meet under way in Delhi.

“There are no regions left on which to rub off the crisis,” Henrik Stamer Hedin from Denmark said.

Still, socialism has only a slim chance really, with no real challenge to capitalism. “People say ‘good you are voicing our rights, but (what’s) bad (is), you are a communist’,” said 26-year-old Norwegian, Federik Roe Brevig.

Socialist parties are ailing everywhere. Germany voted back Chancellor Angela Merkel in September. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is going strong. Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has survived because of a weak Left. India’s Left lies decimated too.

But with so many suffering so much, now is socialism’s best bet, delegates said. “Why did Sarkozy”, asked Brazilian delegate Eduardo G. Serra, “lately talk about regulations?”

But capitalism will not go, he said, just because people are frustrated. “Socialism needs an action plan.” Put plainly, it’s all about sweeping elections.