In Venezuela, the Commune is More Than a Dream: A Discussion with Cira Pascual Marquina
New Interview with Cira Pascual Marquina: Communes and the Future of Venezuela
Hey there! Let's dive into an exclusive interview with Cira Pascual Marquina, zooming in on her views about communes and the future of Venezuela.
1. What's your identity as a Venezuelan, an internationalist, a communard, an art curator or something else? And why do you identify this way?
Mate, I'm a Venezuelan through and through, proud to be part of the Bolivarian Process, standing alongside Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, a group that promotes communalization in our beloved homeland. I'm also a passionate popular educator, eager to learn and discuss Marxist thinking as part of the Escuela de Cuadros. My heart beats for El Panal Commune in 23 de Enero, where I work to support the Pluriversidad Patria Grande. I wouldn't mind being called any of those names!
2. With the inauguration of President Maduro on January 10th, there were expectations of tension and polarization. Did this come true?
Nah, mate. It was the usual media crap-fest, trying to blow things out of proportion. The real threat came from the fascist elements backed by US imperialism. But the Venezuelan people stood strong. Of course, we're not out of the woods, and imperialism is never far away. But we've shown we can defend ourselves, and our resolve remains unshaken.
3. What do the seven transformations Maduro proposed for 2025-2031 mean, and why are they essential now?
Well, there's a lot to unpack here, mate. First off, economic transformation means restructuring the production relations to better serve the people. Full independence means building our own sovereignty in each dimension - cultural, scientific, educational, technological. Internal and territorial security is crucial to defending our homeland against US imperialism. The renewal of the socialist model means reimagining socialism for our context, and the commune plays a central role in this vision. The policy of inclusion and participation is vital to foster a vibrant participatory democracy. Ecological transformation is about addressing the climate challenge through a socialist and communal framework, as capitalism ain't got a clue how to tackle this mess. Lastly, geopolitics is about spreading revolution across the Global South.
4. Why is the proposed constitutional reform necessary, and how will it strengthen Venezuela's communal project?
Dude, it's been 12 years since Chávez proposed the Commune as the core of the socialist construction. However, the Constitution doesn't explicitly mention the Commune, even though it emphasizes participatory democracy. So, constitutionally incorporating the Commune is crucial. This reform will create a firm legal basis for our communal project, giving the commune a more substantial presence in every aspect of life, paving the way for communism.
5. How significant is the communal space for the Bolivarian Revolution, and what's your vision for the commune today?
The commune absolutely holds the key to the Bolivarian Revolution and socialism's future. It's no secret that communes have historical roots in other revolutionary movements across the globe. In Venezuela, they represent a synthesis of Chavista ideas, offering a means to overcome wage exploitation and metabolism of capital. The commune is about democratizing every aspect of life through communal ownership and cooperative work. We gotta keep strengthening these bonds of solidarity and mutual aid, building a better world, together.
6. Did communes experience neglect at any point during Maduro's presidency?
During the economic crisis triggered by US sanctions, the government had to take some difficult decisions. Some measures, like removing price controls, may have caused tensions with the communes. But as the situation worsened, people started turning to the communes for support. So, in recent years, the government has focused more on rebuilding relationships with the communes and strengthening communal enterprises.
7. What's your opinion on the positions of the left in the West regarding the Venezuela situation?
Some Western leftists are all talk and no action. They slap labels like "co-opted" or "opportunistic" without understanding the unique challenges we face in Venezuela. We're not trying to create some carbon copy of the Western left. Instead, we're trying to find solutions that work for us, in our context. Our fight is for real, and we can't afford to let nostalgia or pessimism hold us back.
8. What can the Venezuelan communal experience teach anti-capitalist movements globally?
The commune is a beacon of hope, a way to break free from exploitation, oppression, and alienation. From the humblest home to vibrant collaborative efforts in the urban landscape, communes offer unique ways to build new social relations and tackle community challenges together. What happens in Venezuela can inspire and inform movements around the world, provided they're willing to learn and adapt to their local realities.
- Cira Pascual Marquina, speaking on the future of Venezuela's communal project, discusses the importance of strengthening economic, ecological, and geopolitical transformations, as well as fostering a policy of inclusion and participation, to create a vibrant participatory democracy.
- Recognizing the historical connections between communes and revolutionary movements worldwide, Marquina emphasizes the key role of the commune in Venezuela's socialist future, saying they offer a means to democratize every aspect of life through communal ownership and cooperative work, and break free from wage exploitation and capital metabolism.
- Reflecting on the experiences of Venezuela's communes throughout Maduro's presidency, Marquina shares that while some difficulties were faced, particularly during the economic crisis, there have been recent efforts to rebuild relationships with the communes and strengthen communal enterprises, with the communes gaining greater importance in recent years.
