On December 11, a delegation from the World Anti-Imperialist Platform (Platform) met with several anti-imperialist and anti-NATO organizations in Madrid. The gathering was organized by the Spanish political organization Unión Proletaria, a member of the Platform. Diverse groups participated, including the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE), Communist Initiative, Red Roja, Madrid Platform Against NATO and Military Bases, Coordination of Communist Nuclei, Castilian Left, Sovereignty and Labor, Communist Meeting Space, and the Marxist Study Group.
Miguel Ángel, a representative of Unión Proletaria, opened the meeting by presenting on Venezuela’s critical situation. Ángel stated, “In accordance with the Caracas International Conference resolution, we are issuing an appeal for the formation of an International Brigade. The structure of the International Brigade will adhere to the direction proposed by the Platform.“
He emphasized that “the current demand is based on the historical precedent of the Comintern’s 1936 call to aid Spain against Nazi-Fascist aggression. The current aggression against Venezuela resembles the aggression the Spanish people endured then. We must stop imperialism and fascism, and we must defeat them to prevent attempts to dominate all nations worldwide. The International Brigade must be organized according to the conditions and realities of each country, drawing on their readiness and potential.“
Ángel further noted, “Venezuela, like other countries, is a nation under imperialist attack. There is no significant difference from Palestine. The distinction lies in the fact that Venezuela’s sovereignty is linked to the process of a popular revolution and is oriented toward socialism. Venezuela is a state based on comunas. US imperialism’s ultimate aim is to dismantle Venezuela.”
The delegation announced, “The Platform decided at its 9th International Anti-Imperialist Conference to organize defense brigades to protect Venezuela. Currently, US imperialism is simultaneously launching ideological offensives and military pressure, particularly by demonizing President Maduro and linking him to drug cartels. Given this situation, it is imperative that defense brigades be urgently organized in each country and that a political battle be waged using the combined strength of the global masses.”
They also emphasized, “Defense brigades must be organized to establish powerful public opinion, ensuring the world’s people are not deceived by imperialist propaganda. Urgent statements and rallies appropriate to the crisis must be organized. As part of the Defense Brigade initiative, the Platform is vigorously promoting the screening of the film ‘Nicolás,’ which depicts President Maduro’s life. The truth-telling power of this film will destroy the imperialist ideological offensive.”
Finally, the delegation stated, “We share the assessment that the current situation of rearmament and militarization being pursued by the EU is grave. Recently, the Communist Party of Poland was dissolved by the Constitutional Tribunal, and Germany is pushing to convert conscription into a mandatory service system. This series of developments ultimately aims for the militarization of the EU. Organizations within the EU must unite and struggle together.“
The formal presentations were followed by a Q&A session exploring ways to strengthen the anti-imperialist and anti-NATO struggle within Europe. The event concluded with a screening of a third-anniversary video documenting the Platform’s activities.
A young Honduran attendee shared his thoughts: “I sincerely express my respect for the activities of the Platform. In the current situation, the anti-imperialist struggle is extremely important. I want to learn more about the Platform.”
