More than a decade after Argentina's socio-economic, political and financial collapse in the period 2001-2002, over two hundred recuperated factories currently operate under the direct control of workers. In many cases the recuperations were a direct response to the growing number of bankruptcies and plant closures in the face of deteriorating economic circumstances. The article revisits the workers' struggle and examines the specific socio-historical context that facilitated the emergence of Argentina's recuperated workplaces during the 1990s and in the aftermath of the country's crisis. It further analyzes the post-crisis policies of stabilization and outlines the movements' present situation. Finally, the document concludes by drawing on Gramsci's observations on factory occupations in post-war Italy and his reflections about the relationship between economic crisis, ideological struggle and social transformation.
Three years after the death of Hugo Chávez, the “Bolivarian Revolution” in Venezuela has plunged into the deepest crisis in its 17-year history. After winning a two-third majority of Congress in the parliamentary elections late last year, the country´s right-wing opposition is now pushing for the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro via a recall referendum. The main reason for the election results is Venezuela´s deepening socio-economic crisis. Hyperinflation, food shortages, water- supply problems, electricity rationing and rising crime make everyday life increasingly burdensome for the majority of the population. The article argues that Venezuela’s two main economic problems – hyperinflation and shortages - need to be analyzed against the backdrop of the deepening of the extractive and export-oriented model of accumulation under Chavismo, the failure to develop an alternative, non-capitalist economy and the ongoing political destabilization campaign launched by the country´s oligarchy and its international allies.
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