Long time leader of France Insubordinate [La France Insoumise] Charlotte Girard departs. Why? “”As long as we agree everything is fine. But there is no way to disagree. But a political dynamic – especially revolutionary – depends on the ability of the militants to appropriate arguments, that is to say potentially to challenge them. This option is obstructed at the moment, especially since lately, it was sometimes difficult to identify with what to agree or not. The reproach of inefficiency finally merges with the lack of democracy.

Pretty well entrenched pathology. Steadfastly ignored and dodged by the revolutionary illiuminati.

Thanks again

Pranav

https://www.icl-fi.org/english/wv/1154/iso.html

Disclaimer: I’m not a member or a representative of http://www.spartacist.org

I believe we are witnessing the organic but pathological growth of cliques in leadership bodies. The consequences of defensive in-breeding. They think they are preserving valuable revolutionary traditions when they are enbalming them. The tail begins to wag the dog. Keeping intact a tight leadership becomes more important than policy and conduct. So, one-time solid, middle of the road revolutionary organizations come to espouse wacko political lines as a way of differentiating themselves from potential rivals. You’re either with us or against us.

Capitalist business people when constituting a governing board for shareholders of a corporation do a far better job. Doesn’t matter if they like or even get along with each other. Egos, vanity and pride run high in such a crowd. But, all are held to the touchstone and discipline of making a profit. They have to answer for this as a criteria of performance. It is the reference point, the standard of judgement.

But revolutionary leaders have no such standard of conduct that they can be held to. What, gaining new members, opening more branches, percieved successfull interventions? Doesn’t have the same weight. So, leadership cliques congeal and cannot be re-freshed because the only real measurement is the utter frustration and alienation of the comrade membership expressed through the collapse of the group. And this has happened over and over and over.

And the problem is not addressed. So it carries on like a chronic disease.

Personally, I believe in classic democratic centalism. A revolutionary organization must have a strong leadership. I don’t think rubbishy identity politcs styles of ‘leadership’ are workable. But like pruning a tree perhaps some mandatory rotation of leaders would help re-fresh a group with the benefit of drawing new layers upwards as apprentices. Or mandating a Control Commission to intercede when clique formation congeals. Others may have better solutions. But bring this subject “inside”. Face up to it.

Remember En Lutte in Quebec? They were a big deal once. And then vanished like a fart in the wind. This is a serious and historic failure of leadership within the larger community of dedicated revolutionaries. Open a proper debate, start a real discussion, draw experienced comrades in and let’s see if something productive can’t be arrived at.