Summer report
The working class has endured a gruelling summer. Whilst the representatives of the bourgeoisie preach from their swimming pools and villas about life and having children, our class has suffered through historic heatwaves, fires and an ever-rising cost of living.
We look back on a deadly summer, in which a significant part of the High Fens burned down and many in our class were left to fend for themselves by capitalism.
Heat deaths and scorching profits
Last summer, the three deadly heatwaves claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 of our compatriots – the equivalent of a Belgian 9/11. Whilst Theo Francken seeks to equate dissenting voices with terrorism, capital is threatening people’s living conditions worldwide. Today’s real terrorists are the capitalists who have caused global warming and view our society as fuel to feed their profits.
Even with temperatures of 40 degrees, workers were forced to carry on working without extra breaks or cooling facilities. For many, inflation and high energy prices make cooling unaffordable.
Even with temperatures of 40 degrees, workers were forced to carry on working without extra breaks or cooling facilities. For many, inflation and high energy prices make cooling unaffordable.
The long-term unemployed, who lost their benefits in the summer, were forced to search for a new job in the heat. Despite government promises, only one in eight succeeded in doing so; nearly half continued to put further pressure on our social security system and local social services by having to rely on a minimum income.
Throughout the summer, work became increasingly less well-paid and of lower quality, partly due to the expansion of flexible working arrangements across all sectors. This only exacerbates the problems with the budget and low consumption.
Belgian capital heading towards crisis
Inflation in August approached 4 per cent and energy prices are breaking records. Gas prices are at their highest since 2023, oil reached nearly 110 dollars per barrel, and petrol at the pump has reached its highest price in four years. Meanwhile, our gas reserves stand at 65 per cent, the lowest level since records began.
On an annual basis, economic growth still stands at 0.5 per cent, but as in other European countries, it was exactly 0 per cent for the second quarter. Capitalism’s drive for perpetual growth will always bring with it recessions and crises.
Both rising energy prices and the increasingly fierce competition between the US, Europe and China are threatening our economy. In particular, industry and construction – the mainstays of our economy and self-reliance – are suffering due to high energy prices and interest rates. Meanwhile, sectors such as transport, chemicals, steel and food depend on favourable energy and oil prices, whilst the construction sector relies on cheap loans.
A crisis for whom?
Despite their lamentations and the crisis, the capitalist class is doing well compared to the misery of the working class. According to figures from the PTB-PVDA, this year in Belgium the richest 1 per cent became 22 billion euros richer, whilst their wealth rose by 1.6 per cent. The poorest 50 per cent of the population saw their wealth fall by 0.5 per cent.
So the crisis is clearly not affecting everyone; the capitalists are getting richer off the misery of the working class, and yet they still dare to complain that ‘they are not getting rich enough’.
The bourgeoisie talks about high labour costs, inflation and competition with other countries, which they claim necessitates costly support for businesses. But in other European countries, and even in countries such as China and the US, we see exactly the same problems of declining growth, rising interest rates and rising prices. This proves that this is not the fault of high labour costs, social security or poor policy. It is a result of the general instability of capitalism.
Without a socialist planned economy, capitalists hold back their investments in situations where profitability is low, and the root cause of the problem persists. As long as the economy remains in the hands of the capitalists and the banks, a solution for the working class is impossible.
Whilst the capitalists will celebrate a lavish Christmas, our class faces a bleak winter. Many workers are aware of this; the National Bank’s barometer indicates that consumer confidence has fallen. Pessimism has risen particularly regarding the future situation and the outlook for unemployment.
“Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will”
With this motto, popularised by the Italian communist Antonio Gramsci, we conclude our assessment.
In the face of the increasing destruction of our environment and appalling working conditions, we must maintain a level-headed approach. Communists cannot take a militant stance alongside the working class if they are driven by despair.
We must dare to look the misery of capitalism straight in the eye and commit ourselves to liberating our society from it. In times of crisis, we must be prepared to support one another and also to offer our colleagues, fellow pupils and students prospects through collective struggle and organisation.
Let us make our positions clear, and spread optimism! Resist the exploitation and destruction wrought by imperialist capitalism. Don’t panic – organise!
- Central Committee of the JCB
