France
France: Record turn out sees Royal and Sarkozy go through to second round
But neither offers anything to French workers except more cuts and attacks on living standards
Europe
France
France: Uncertainty about the result leads to anxiety amongst the ruling class
First round of the presidential elections
Ireland Republic
Ireland: “I support nurses, just as I detest parasite speculators” – Joe Higgins, Socialist Party TD (MP)
Nurses take industrial action for decent wages and conditions
Italy
Italy: Interview with Marco Verrugio of Marxist ‘Countercurrent’
"Berlusconi and Prodi – two sides of the same coin"
Ireland Republic
Ireland: Socialist MP, Joe Higgins, attacks Irish Prime Minister for visiting George Bush
Bertie Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister, recently visited the US and met with George Bush around the time of St Patrick’s Day.
Italy
Italy: Party of Communist Re-foundation conference
Fight to maintain a force capable of genuine anti-capitalist struggle
Ukraine
Ukraine: President’s call for new elections denounced as “illegal” by Prime Minister
Once more, Orange and Blue political blocs clash
Ireland North
Ireland: “We won’t pay” say hundreds of demonstrators in Belfast
Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party change position to supporting water charging now elections are over.
Germany
Germany: “Left Unity” no step forward
WASG and Left Party/PDS vote for merger
Russia
Russia: Mining explosion and fires kill hundreds
Cost cutting for profits behind preventable tragedies