Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, a Greek MEP who belongs to the Communist Party of Greece, has been in the news recently for his soft stance on Russia amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. He voted against the resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, labeling it an Imperialist War driven by the economic and political interests of the bourgeois classes. In this article, we will delve deeper into his stance and explore the reasons behind it.
No to the Imperialist War
Nikolaou-Alavanos believes that the war in Ukraine is driven by the economic and political interests of the bourgeois classes seeking raw materials, transportation routes, geopolitical support, labor forces, and market shares. He stated that the “capitalist system is the root cause of war,” and Communist and Workers’ Parties worldwide have expressed their stance on the causes and nature of the war in Ukraine. Despite diplomatic efforts and international organizations’ declarations, the war continues, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.
Why did he label the Russia-Ukraine War an Imperialist War?
According to him, the citizens in Greece and other countries have shouldered the costs of capitalist development and its crises. They are now being further burdened with the “twin brother” of capitalism – imperialist war. He said that these wars are often accompanied by persuasive ideological narratives that aim to justify a country’s involvement in such conflicts. Concepts like “great ideas,” “wars against terrorism,” “peace missions,” and “color revolutions” have been used throughout history to convince people of the necessity of these wars. The current conflict between the US-NATO-EU and the evolving Eurasian bloc Russia-China is no exception, and it is affecting multiple areas, with Ukraine being the most impacted, essentially becoming a victim of the conflict.
Opposition to Ban on Russian Media and Culture
Nikolaou-Alavanos is also against the ban on Russian media and culture, as well as any division based on national origin. He also opposed anti-communist measures and propaganda, including attacks on the leader of the October Revolution, B.I. Lenin. He stated that these actions limit workers’ democratic rights and seek to increase nationalism and divide workers. The Communist Party of Greece fights against nationalism, racism, and promotes the common struggle of workers against exploitation, monopolies, capitalism, and imperialism. Their goal is to create a society without exploitation and imperialist wars, the society of socialism – communism.
Sanctions as a Part of Imperialist War
Nikolaou-Alavanos opposes sanctions as a part of the imperialist war that forces people in conflict-affected nations to bear the brunt of the burden. On the other hand, the EU’s sanctions policy promotes its own interests and the “green and digital transition” strategy that benefits its monopolies. This results in increased costs for energy, which workers already pay heavily for due to the competitiveness of the economy, discounts to shipowners. The supposed “green transition” has nothing to do with protecting the environment and everything to do with increasing profits for capitalists. Small farmers paid the price for the 2014 sanctions, facing expensive fuel, agricultural supplies, and raw materials even before the war. Additionally, the embargo imposed by the EU on Russia costs them approximately 160 million every year. The KKE opposes the sanctions and urges the government not to comply with them as they increase the economic burden on the popular strata, a burden that cannot be alleviated by the inadequate measures taken by the government and the EU.
His Communist Stance on War.
He stated that, Communist and Workers’ Parties worldwide, has expressed its stance on the causes and nature of the war in Ukraine. Despite diplomatic efforts and international organizations’ declarations, the war continues, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.
He believes that the war is driven by the economic and political interests of the bourgeois classes, seeking raw materials, transportation routes, geopolitical support, labor forces, and market shares. As a result, we call for the abolition of the capitalist system, which is the root cause of war, and links anti-war action to the struggle against capitalism. He protests against Greece’s participation in the war, including the deployment of military forces, weapons, and ammunition for NATO’s plans. He is against the installation and use of military installations and nuclear weapons by the USA and NATO in Greece.He believes that workers’ power is necessary to disengage Greece from the aggressive plans of NATO and the EU and imperialist associations. Communist has faced police arrests and court cases for its anti-imperialist actions against NATO and the Greek government. We will continue its anti-imperialist actions in coordination with other Communist Parties worldwide, as demonstrated by its participation in anti-NATO events in Turkey, Madrid, and the joint meeting in Athens of the General Secretaries of four Communist Parties.
