INTERVIEW WITH WARSAW ANTI-FASCISTS

FROM "AGREEMENT 11.11" INICIATIVE

Why is this day so important in the context of Poland?



It is not a secret for everybody in Europe that here in Poland, we have strong nationalistic tendencies which are probably even getting stronger. It exists in mainstream media, in state institutions and in society in general. Because of these strong patriotic and conservative tendencies it's very easy, under the cover of patriotism, to smuggle neo-fascist and neo-nazi ideology, which infiltrates society without any barriers. The society is not educated good enough and it seems that hardly anybody has noticed to where it actually leads.



Additionally, bad economic situation of large parts of our society, high unemployment rates and many other social problems are causing huge frustration. The right wing politicians try to distract our attention from the real problem which is the injustice and inefficiency of capitalism, they plant scapegoats like national or sexual minorities. In that way they re-channeled social rage and disappointment of the actual situation.



Furthermore, education programs for schools are soaked in patriotism and conservative values. Young people are not thaught to think indepentently, or to criticize the reality that surrounds them.



Such phenomenons meet with a favorable response to implant the ideology of hatred. This atmosphere is well disposed towards coming into existence and acting of various radical right organizations and parties like NOP (National Rebirth of Poland), MW (All-Polish Youth), Falanga, and the main group standing behind the march 11.11 - ONR (National-Radical Camp).





So what are the plans for 11th of November?



This day we organize certain antifascist activities alongside the March route of the neo-nazis. Apart from direct actions there will be a legal demonstration. Street activities are still being discussed. But for sure we want to attract people from different circles. Now, we invite and activate academic circles, youth, refugees and nongovernmental organizations (NGO's). During the demonstration we want to arouse their interest in other forms of actions. The final of the Day will be a concert. We invited artists representing different music styles to reach different youth circles who might be interested in antifascist activities.



What results do you expect? Do you plan any further activities being a consequence of the 11.11 action?



One of the aims of this action is not to let the neo-fascists realize their annual march. In the same time it supposed to be a demonstration of existence and strength of anti-fascist movement and we are sure that by this action new people will join us. Through this action we want to focus the attention on the invisible problem which is the blooming legal neo-fascism. We expect that our resistance will rivet the attention and will be the beginning of the discussion about it. The aim of our action is also to provoke civil disobedience of different forms and the revival of consent attitudes for direct actions among the people.



The "11.11" actions in Warsaw are giving the start signal to the International Days of Antifascist Actions under the slogan "Siempre Antifascista". In this context it's possible that activists from other regions may come to support you. What should people coming for the action from abroad know ?



On the one side this day means always great mobilization of the police. Last year, during the antifascist blockade, police managed to surround a big part of the people and even take data from many of them. Well, it was our tactical failure from which everybody should learn. Of course, the local anti-repression groups will be working. Important to know is the fact, that on this day the anti-antifa groups are more active as well, but on the other hand the experience shows that they are being mostly effectively neutralized by our movement.



Anyway, before noon on the day there will be an informational meeting for visitors about the situation in the city. We will work out the integration structure in the street actions so that comrades from abroad do not feel lost. We guarantee accommodation for the visitors in private lodgings or on the local squat (we'd be very grateful if you could confirm earlier - by e-mail from the blog - how many people we should expect).