Venezuela
In April, the CWI held a public meeting in Caracas, Venezuela on the victory of the French workers and youth against proposed anti-labor laws. Over 100 Venezuelan hospital workers, pharmaceutical factory workers on strike and other activists engaged in an important debate about the ideas of socialism and how it is understood worldwide. The meeting was also covered by two community radio stations.
Ireland
The Socialist Party (CWI Ireland) representative in the Irish parliament, Joe Higgins, denounced in sharp terms the forcing out of working-class families from their communities due to exorbitant rents and mortgages. Joes criticisms of the government corruption and its unwillingness to create decent, affordable housing pushed the Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern to tell Joe to go away. Well, Joe wont go away and leave the corporate politicians in peace. Way to go, Joe!
Cyprus
Cypriot CWI members have taken part in an important victory of 100 Kurdish refugees to win asylum in Cyprus. The Kurdish refugees occupied the Cypriot Red Cross offices, and the CWI members initiated an email- and letter-writing campaign to prevent the Cypriot government from backing down on its promises to give housing and benefits to these landless asylum seekers. The CWI in Cyprus is still actively campaigning for the freedom of imprisoned Serife Bela, a mother of two.