On October 21, in Caracas, Venezuela, the 9th International Anti-Imperialist Conference, organized by The World Anti-Imperialist Platform (the Platform), was held under the theme “Commune or Nothing.
The session was moderated by the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) of the ‘Republic of Korea.’
Dmitry Novikov, Vice-Chair of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF), in a video presentation, stated: “The creativity of the masses is a hallmark of national liberation movements in many countries. The struggle of the peoples of Latin America against colonial rulers was also built upon this foundation.” He emphasized, “There are currently more than 45,000 community councils in Venezuela. How has this country endured under such powerful external pressure? The Bolivarian committees and other forms of self-governance have played a crucial role. They have effectively neutralized much of the NGO system established by liberals.”
Aymeric Monville, Chair of the International Committee for the Democratic Rights in South Korea (CILD) and former International Secretary of the Pole of Communist Revival in France (PRCF), said in his video address: “The Paris Commune was physically crushed, but its legacy is eternal. It embodied popular sovereignty, social justice, and above all, the indomitable struggle to defend the homeland against the betrayal of the elites. True patriotism does not reside in the palaces of rulers, but in the hearts of the people who rise up to defend their dignity, freedom, existence, and rights.
The Communards were not mere rebels. In the dark days of surrender and betrayal, they were the guardians who consistently fought to the end to uphold the honor of France. Whenever I see many Latin Americans fighting against the imperialists of the United States, I think of them.”
The Baltic Platform remarked: “What is important for us is to see that the Venezuelan leadership and people are striving to make use of the rich revolutionary experiences of other nations and peoples—not by mechanically applying them to local situations, but by deeply analyzing them, extracting what may be useful for the current situation in Venezuelan society, and doing so while preserving their national traditions.” “The nationwide movement under the slogan ‘Comuna o Nada!’, initiated by Hugo Chávez and continued by his successor, President Nicolás Maduro, will defend the sovereignty of the state and bring prosperity.”
Aleksandar Đenic, Executive Secretary of the New Communist Party of Yugoslavia (NKPJ), stated: “We know what imperialist aggression means—what bombings mean, what sanctions mean. And we know how the imperialists attempt to destroy independent, sovereign socialist countries. Unfortunately, that is what happened to my country, Yugoslavia. Among the things destroyed during the counter-revolutionary process by imperialist and capitalist regimes was the commune.” He continued, “During the socialist period, in our communes, we built buildings in every city, often within parks. Each commune had cultural centers, sports facilities, and health systems. But during the counterrevolution, through the process of gentrification, these began to be destroyed. Big capital sought to exploit every space and deprive the people of public places.”
Stefan Petrov—International Secretary of the September 23 Movement (Bulgaria)— said, “(in Venezuela) What I see is that, despite sanctions, confusion, and propaganda, there are still many people with a revolutionary spirit. They are developing their own society, continuing the achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution, and hold a clear vision for the future—one that shows how a society can be built without destroying the authority of the party.” He particularly emphasized, “What impressed me most was the internationalist spirit of the Venezuelan people. Even under difficult conditions, the walls of Caracas are covered with slogans and messages expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, and with many organizations fighting against imperialism.”
Robert Longa—Spokesperson of Comuna El Panal— stated, “Chávez presented a new ideological transformation that went beyond the framework of representative democracy. He spoke of participatory and protagonistic democracy—a revolutionary democracy in which the people themselves become the direct subjects of politics.” He continued, “We say this: Latin America’s revolutionary thought stands on the legacy of Simón Rodríguez and José Carlos Mariátegui. Chávez was the leader who synthesized their ideas and gave the Bolivarian Revolution its ideological stature. Today, the comuna holds greater significance than ever before.”
Amílcar Figueroa—Head of Editorial Trinchera— explained, “Chávez sought ways to create a social economy to bring about structural change in Venezuelan society, using oil revenues for this purpose. He was not content with the initial policy of simple assistance, but continuously sought further development. It was at this time that Chávez proposed the comuna.” He added, “What Chávez was especially concerned about was ensuring that the commune would not be neutralized by capitalist forces but rather be protected and supported. The comuna must not be understood as a mere formality or passive organization—it is the space where class struggle is expressed in Venezuela.”
Valerii Novikov—Second Secretary of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan— stated, “From observing the situation through the media, I can say that if things go wrong, it is precisely the comunas that will stand by the president and government and defend the country. As a minister from communist party said at the first meeting in the past, Venezuela has a weak working class outside the oil industry. Only the comunas can defend the country in case of attack. The comunas will protect natural resources and defend their land to the end, just as the Soviet Union did during the Second World War.” “The future lies in the comuna.”
Lusine Karapetyan—of the Communist Party of Armenia— declared, “In Venezuela, we have witnessed attempts to destabilize organizations and trample upon people’s power, yet the intent remains the same—to divide and weaken the people. Yesterday’s and today’s enemies are the same: capital, imperialism, and the exploiters who cannot tolerate the people determining their own destiny. Therefore, our struggle also remains the same—the struggle for the liberation of the proletariat, for justice, for the construction of people’s power, and for the comuna as the genuine organ of power in the life of the people.”
Taimur Rahman—General Secretary of the Mazdoor Kisan Party (Pakistan)— noted, “With regard to Communes, we take note of the institutionalization of neighborhood power and funding via communal councils by the Venezuelan leadership. Although this was done after the Chavismo movement acquired power, this is nonetheless an important step in setting permanent changes in place for the transformation of society. These councils or communes are local forums where residents plan, learn basic administration, and hold officials to account. And when need be, they can be relied upon in times of national-defense from an aggressor country. Venezuela is able to showcase this through their militias as they offer a robust defense response to the US aggression in 2025. The defense of the revolution is a basic principle, it is the highest ideal, and Venezuela shines in this regard.”
Chris Gilbert—journalist of Monthly Review— recalled, “At the very moment Chávez launched the comuna, he said something that astonished me: ‘An isolated comuna is counter-revolutionary.’ In other words, the comuna must always be part of a broader revolutionary project. He also said, ‘The comuna is a cell, but a cell needs a body.’ By ‘body,’ he meant a certain institutional structure. Today in Venezuela, we can see that this concept truly exists and continues to develop. One of the clearest proofs of this, I believe, is the emergence of the mass consultation process.”
Ayelén Correa—from the Network of Media and Communication Collectives (Argentina)—analyzed, “It was only in 2006 that it became legally possible to form communal councils, and only in 2010 that the establishment of comunas was legalized. Nevertheless, thanks to Chávez’s educational leadership and the public policies that promoted mass participation, many communal councils and comunas had already been spontaneously organized even before then. That is precisely why the media and counter-revolutionary forces attacked these organizations so fiercely.”
Miguel Ángel, representative of the Spanish Union Proletaria, said, “After Chávez’s death, the imperialists imposed a series of sanctions and attacks on Venezuela to support internal counter-revolutionary forces, but they failed thanks to the hard work and wisdom of the organized people under President Nicolás Maduro. Now, as they attempt to intervene by mobilizing their own armies, they will once again face defeat at the hands of a people who see themselves as the true owners of their country. Therefore, it is both important and urgent to develop a unified, bottom-up communal structure while at the same time uniting with the revolutionary vanguard that illuminates the path from above in a scientific manner.”
Eleonore Koffi, Central Committee member of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist), stated, “Venezuela is teaching the West the meaning of democracy. Despite relentless attempts by the United States to suffocate the Bolivarian Revolution and seize Venezuela’s abundant resources, thanks to the communes, the heart of this country continues to beat strongly. These mass, self-governing institutions, founded on the idea of people’s power, unite communities so that they can govern themselves and solve their own problems.”
Anatole Sawosik, regional chair of the Pole of Communist Revival in France (PRCF), said, “The construction of the communal state that Venezuelan activists speak of is a long process that will take decades. It is not only about building new institutions but also about transforming human relationships and breaking the logic of domination and selfishness inherited from capitalism. That is why the communal state begins in everyday life — in the way we love, share, and care for each other. For years, people fought to secure water for their neighborhoods, and through collective organization and support for communal projects, they finally succeeded. These are stories of restored dignity, shared effort, and concrete victories.”
Camila Monge, member of the International Department of the French URC (Union of Revolutionary Communists), remarked, “Thanks to Venezuela, the Paris Commune of 1871 has not disappeared; through this project, carried out ‘for the people and by the people’ under the Bolivarian government, it is being reborn in a new form.”
Alexander Gil, International Affairs Officer of the Venezuelan Communal Social Movements and Urban Agriculture Department, emphasized, “Education is a fundamental issue for us, and in recent years, we have deepened our work with young people within the revolutionary process. Work with youth is extremely important — they are the guarantors of maintaining the revolutionary process and of creating new strategies to strengthen grassroots organization. The beauty of the communal process lies in the fact that it begins with the subjective element of the Bolivarian Revolution — love. It is a process built not only on organizational or institutional structures, but also on the spiritual and emotional foundations of individuals and communities.”
Anaís Márquez, activist of the March 5 Commune, said, “Through education and awareness-building, we are strengthening the capacities of local women leaders and ensuring that women take the lead in decision-making and participation. In fact, 80% of women within Venezuelan communes serve as leaders. As Commander Chávez said, an isolated commune can become counterrevolutionary. That is why, through the Union of Communes, we connect with other communes in different regions and states to learn from each other, cooperate, and continue deepening Chávez’s ‘Comuna o Nada!’ project.”
Daniel Castillo, coordinator of the National School of the Union of Communes, explained, “What I want to share today is about the educational experience we are developing at the National School of the Union of Communes. Our curriculum focuses on popular and emancipatory education, providing communes with the tools to deliberate and make decisions autonomously. In other words, education must not be separated from the territory but should respond to the needs and demands of the local people.”
Aura Aguilera, activist of the José Félix Ribas Socialist Commune, stated, “This is precisely what Chávez wanted — for the people to awaken and for power to be in the hands of the grassroots, of the poor. Chávez once said, ‘Give power to the poor; they can achieve much with very little.’ We are strengthening the communes and building the muscles of economic transformation. Everything begins with the power of the people — from the grassroots.”
Gregorio Varagas, activist of the Mesedores 8 Roots Commune, highlighted that “another important aspect to emphasize in the communal process, or the communal system, is grassroots organization. Especially since 2024, the process of setting priorities through popular participation has advanced. Organized people draft lists of projects they wish to implement first, and decisions are made through voting. Once the state approves the necessary resources, the people themselves manage them. These are projects conceived and carried out directly by the people, who also bear full responsibility for them.”
Regna Serrano, activist of the Simón Bolívar Socialist Commune, explained, “The Simón Bolívar Commune has not only continued the project of our second liberator, Hugo Chávez, but has also followed the teaching of our founding father and first liberator, Simón Bolívar, who said that ‘the best government is the one that provides the greatest possible happiness to the people.’ Based on this principle, we have undertaken various projects and initiatives. Today, we are implementing President Nicolás Maduro’s Seven Transformations Plan — a concrete agenda for action — within our autonomous spaces, developing and carrying out plans for collective advancement.”
Daniel Castillo, coordinator of the National School of the Union of Communes, explained, “What I want to share today is about the educational experience we are developing at the National School of the Union of Communes. Our curriculum focuses on popular and emancipatory education, providing communes with the tools to deliberate and make decisions autonomously. In other words, education must not be separated from the territory but should respond to the needs and demands of the local people.”
Aura Aguilera, activist of the José Félix Ribas Socialist Commune, stated, “This is precisely what Chávez wanted—for the people to awaken and for power to be in the hands of the grassroots, of the poor. Chávez once said, ‘Give power to the poor; they can achieve much with very little.’ We are strengthening the communes and building the muscles of economic revolution. Everything begins with the power of the people—from the grassroots.”
Gregorio Varagas, activist of the Mesedores 8 Roots Commune, highlighted that “another important aspect to emphasize in the communal process, or the communal system, is organizing the grassroots. Especially since 2024, the process of setting priorities through popular participation has advanced. The organized people create a list of projects they want to prioritize and decide through a vote. Once the state approves the necessary resources, the people themselves manage them. These are projects conceived and carried out directly by the people, who also bear full responsibility for them.”
Regna Serrano, activist of the Simón Bolívar Socialist Commune, explained, “The Simón Bolívar Commune has not only continued the project of our second liberator, Hugo Chávez, but has also followed the teaching of our founding father and first liberator, Simón Bolívar, who said that ‘the best government is the one that provides the greatest possible happiness to the people.’ Based on this principle, we have undertaken various projects and initiatives. Today, we are implementing President Nicolás Maduro’s Seven Transformations Plan—a concrete agenda for action—within our autonomous spaces, developing and carrying out plans for collective advancement.”
Subsequently, nine parties and organizations presented resolutions addressing urgent national issues.
The Baltic Platform resolved, “The primary tools used by the ruling elites to suppress dissent are rampant anti-Sovietism, Russophobia, and the militarization of public consciousness. The very future of the Baltic countries and their peoples is being sacrificed to save a dying imperialism. However, imperialism is doomed due to the objective conditions of its nature. The anti-imperialist forces of the Baltic countries, relying on international solidarity, will continue their struggle.”
The Liberation Party of Argentina declared, “The struggle of the workers and the people in Argentina involves achieving wage and pension increases, increasing funding for Education and Health, reactivating public works, defending public companies against the privatizations carried out by the sellout government, denouncing police repression of demonstrations, demanding the release of political prisoners, and calling for the trial and punishment of Milei and all his corrupt, narco, and bribed officials and ministers.”
The Union for Communist Reconstruction (URC) of France asserted, “NO to the European Union! and NO to NATO!, responsible for wars and austerity! We demand in France an immediate exit from NATO! We call on all, workers and youth alike, to organize and mobilize.”
The Pole of Communist Revival in France (PRCF) declared, “We demand Macron’s resignation and France’s withdrawal from the EU and NATO,” adding, “It is quite striking to note that the discredit and impasse in which Macron finds himself are exactly the same as those affecting Donald Trump and his henchmen, Benjamin Netanyahu.”
The People’s Democracy Party (PDP) of the ‘Republic of Korea’ issued a resolution titled “We Resolutely Oppose the Unlimited Currency Swap that Tramples Upon Monetary Sovereignty!”, calling on the Lee Jae-myung Democratic Party government to “Cease all efforts to push for unlimited currency swaps at once, reject every negotiation, and answer “threats” of US troop withdrawal with the removal of US forces—respond from an independent, sovereign stance. Already more than 80% of the ‘ROK’ populace oppose concluding a currency swap, and the ‘ROK’ society is transforming into a “zone of anti‑US fervor.’”
The Communist Party of Armenia emphasized, “External powers are interfering to provoke tension in the Caucasus region. This is connected with attempts to isolate Iran and to open new conflicts with Russia. Stability and peace in the region are impossible without an approach that prioritizes social justice and national sovereignty.”
The Communist Party of Kenya (Marxist) (CPMK) stated, “To declare the France–Africa Summit an imperialist and recolonising project, intended to entrench French and Western monopoly capital under the guise of “environmental partnership” and “financial reform’, “Let Nairobi become the stage not for imperialist diplomacy but for organised African defiance.”
The Dynamique Unitaire Panafricaine (DUP) appealed to all organizations gathered at the Conference “Build an internationalist solidarity of class struggle by consolidating the anti‑imperialist and anti‑fascist front, composed of genuine democratic, progressive and revolutionary forces in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.”
The Struggle Unity of Türkiye proclaimed, “Let us take to the streets to protest this war gang gathering in Istanbul in July 2026 and shout our demand for its dispersal. We will not allow NATO’s attempt to occupy Istanbul. We call on all forces defending democracy and peace, freedom and socialism for the people to take to the streets and rise up against NATO,” and concluded with the slogan: “Down with NATO, the murderer of the peoples!”
Further statements followed on the theme of “Comuna o Nada!”
Aboubakar Alassane of the West African People’s Organization (WAPO) said, “the patriotic soldiers currently leading the Sahel states must understand that their historical role is not to establish new powerful military regimes but to serve as catalysts for transferring power to the organized people. Their mission is to arm themselves with revolutionary theory in order to empower the people to exercise genuine power.”, “The alternative is clear and irreversible. As Commander Chávez taught us, ‘Comuna o Nada!’”
Adama Coulibaly, Secretary-General of the Dynamique Unitaire Panafricaine (DUP), said, “despite the multifaceted catastrophes that have accompanied the birth and development of capitalism, African communities have survived, serving as the lifeline and foundation for peaceful or armed resistance by social organizations, united actions, patriots, independentists, Pan-Africanists, and sovereigntists. “‘Comuna o Nada’ demonstrates its relevance through several examples of resistance, survival, and resilience. It is not a mere slogan, but—just as in the Venezuelan case—a rallying cry that carries a socialist and revolutionary perspective.”
Rafael Cardino, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines (PKP-1930), said, “In the Philippines, the people continue to suffer under a neo-colonial order sustained by foreign powers and domestic elites.” “The commune provides a concrete alternative to this oppressive structure. It envisions a people- centered economy based on community ownership, agrarian reform, and industrialization driven by national needs. It offers a model of governance where ordinary citizens are empowered to make decisions about their lives, labor, and future.” “‘Comuna o Nada’ expresses a universal aspiration the struggle of peoples worldwide to reclaim power from systems of oppression.”
The Struggle Unity of Türkiye stated, “For a quarter of a century, Bolivarian Venezuela has had to withstand unimaginable attacks. Maintaining a revolution that defends the interests of the working people right under the nose of the imperialist beast, with a clear socialist orientation emerging step by step, and doing so despite imperialist pressure and attacks that trample on every kind of international rule, law, and diplomacy, is a great achievement of the Venezuelan people and the Bolivarian government.”
Dimitrios Patelis of the Revolutionary Theory Group (Greece) stated, “a dialectical approach to the community requires a deep understanding of the concrete and historical forms of the community and the relationships that have developed over time. The key is not to recreate small primitive societies lacking productive forces, but to build a revolutionary project that unites humanity as a community.” He continued, “The people of Venezuela understand precisely what this means. While we are here, and when we leave this beautiful country and its wonderful people on October 23, we will take with us invaluable lessons in building such revolutionary communities in practice.”
Stephen Cho, Organizer of the World Anti-Imperialist Platform and Coordinator of the Korea International Forum, in his written statement emphasized that “we must deeply internalize a truth that may seem ordinary yet is profound: the highest position in society belongs not to the party, but to the people. And when we emphasize the people and their government, the importance of the party as a political leadership organ is naturally emphasized as well. The conclusion is that it must be the people, not the party. This truth is embodied in “Comuna o Nada.” It should be seen as reflecting Chávez’s summation of past revolutionary history.”
He continued, “Because Chávez valued the commune beyond the Party—as the front and the state itself—constantly reflecting on it, strengthening it, and devoting himself wholeheartedly to enhancing its functions, the Chavista movement has been able to lead the revolution and construction with the unwavering support of the people. This is also why, even after Chávez was assassinated by imperialist forces, the Bolivarian Revolution has been carried forward and further developed by his loyal successor, President Maduro.”
He further added, “Maduro said, “The comuna is the great center of direct democracy and the shield against imperialism.” The reason Chávez did not die—even in death—and continues to live vividly among the people is embodied in his words: “Comuna o Nada.” The spirit of Che Guevara’s slogan, “Hasta la victoria siempre (Until victory, always),” finds its continuation in Chávez’s call, “Comuna o Nada,” which continues to guarantee the victory of the Venezuelan people and the Bolivarian Revolution.”
Afterward, the declaration of the World Anti-Imperialist Platform, “The Venezuelan people united around the commune will surely win,” was read aloud.
The participants chanted “¡Viva Venezuela! ¡Viva Maduro! ¡Viva Chávez!” took commemorative photos together, and concluded the event by singing “The International.”
