Latin Lessons

DW-WORLD.DE: What was the political significance of this visit? Was Lafontaine effectively saying goodbye to Fidel Castro?

Wolfgang Gehrcke: First and foremost, Lafontaine is keen to see how the country is evolving, to explore its potential for further development and the current state of the European-Cuban relationship. Germany's position on the EU's restrictive policy towards Cuba is not a constructive one. Unfortunately, Berlin has not taken sides with the Spanish and Italian governments who want to see the EU lift sanctions against Cuba. Oskar Lafontaine is visiting a number of initiatives providing humanitarian aid in the country, such as supplying children with milk everyday. The visit to Cuba is Oskar Lafontaine's first port of call on his tour of Latin America's new, left-wing governments. As far as I am aware, Fidel Castro is in good health and there is no reason to say goodbye to him.

As the Left Party's foreign policy spokesman, what do you think of the German government's stance on Latin America?

Berlin's policies towards Latin America are based on positions that range from indifference to outright hostility towards South America's recent shift to the left. The government is of the opinion that Germany has few interests in Latin America outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic center, and Mexico. It's happy to leave the continent to the US. Broadly speaking, the government shares Washington's political aims there, which define neo-liberalism as the only viable option for economic development. But neo-liberalism has failed in Latin America, leaving a trail of destruction within the continent's social structures. This form of dogma has made only the very few wealthy while the majority of the population as well as parts of the middle classes have become poorer. No one in Latin America still believes that neo-liberalism and globalization can deliver wealth for all. In a number of countries, democratic votes have resulted in the election of various forms of left-wing alternatives to neo-liberalism. Europe should be joining forces with Latin America to develop cooperation's that prioritize public political interests on both continents, and push for a better world. We propose that Europe builds up economic ties to Latin America that are based on co-operations and the respective countries' own agenda for development. This includes banishing poverty by developing domestic markets. Latin America needs debt relief as well as a transfer of technology in order to boost its economic performance.

What does the German Left Party think about the "New Latin American Left"?

Across Latin America, we are seeing broad-based movements fighting against the consequences of neo-liberalism. In many countries, these developments have resulted in victories for the left or progressive, anti-neo liberal forces in parliamentary and presidential elections. Regardless of whether they continue to promote Socialist values or are more interested in pushing for greater national independence and sovereignty, what they have in common is a political interest in social change on behalf of marginalized, disadvantaged groups. As in Venezuela, the goal of the various campaigns initiated by the government is to improve life for the country's poor, create jobs and improve education and health. Latin America's left-wing governments are backed by various groups. These include, along with politicians and parties, unions and various social movements as well as independent intellectuals, local entrepreneurs and representatives of the church.

Who represents this New Left? Bachelet, Chavez or Evo Morales ?

In terms of society transforming, this process is best embodied by Bolivian President Evo Morales und Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. But in terms of a new political direction, geared towards greater social equality in Latin America and away from neo-liberalism, then the process is spearheaded by figures such as Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Nestor Kirchner in Argentina. They all stand for more socially aware policies geared towards a stronger, more interventionist State.

Which challenges do left-wing organizations in Latin America and Germany share?

We need to aim for a world based on greater solidarity which leaves our children with a future. Our world and our future are seriously jeopardized by war and impending hunger crises due to ever dwindling food supplies caused by environmental disaster. We also need to overcome illiteracy, endemic disease, poverty and water shortages. These are tasks we can only meet if we in Europe all pull together and with the developing world.

How can the Left Party help contribute to continued existence of the Latin American left?

For the time being we need to learn from them. The most important developments are happening there, and the left is currently very successful. The Latin American left has been a motivating force for a new left-wing culture and is currently helping to revitalize the Socialist option. We can help by achieving similar success.

According to the latest surveys, Oskar Lafontaine is one of the best-known and most popular politicians in Germany. Why is this?

Oskar Lafontaine stands for credibility. He gave up his office and left his party when it turned its back on social democracy in favor of neo-liberalism under Gerhard Schröder. He gives voice to people's fear of unrestrained capitalism -- the tidal wave of neo-liberalism and globalization bearing down on them.

Enrique Lopez Magallon interviewed Wolfgang Gehrcke (jp)