A-Infos (en) UK, ACG, Jackdaw 26 - The Welsh Elections (ca, de, fr, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

Meanwhile in Wales, Plaid Cymru have formed their first ever government. 
Labours electoral dominance has been overturned, winning fewer seats 
than Reform who came second. Without a majority Plaid will need support 
to pass any motions, presumably from Labour. Plaid have presented 
themselves as the alternative to Reform and bringers of radical change. 
Their flagship policy is universal childcare - 20 hours a week for all 9 
month to four year olds. This has come under intense scrutiny from the 
right who condemn it as 'unaffordable'.
Historically, Plaid has a long tradition of anti-militarism. This was 
cemented in 1936 in Penyberth, Gwynedd, when a mass campaign against the 
construction of a bombing school culminated in three prominent party 
members burning the school down in the tradition of non-violent protest. 
In recent years this commitment has wavered, with their leader Rhun ap 
Iorwerth stating "it's not a call for the UK to withdraw from NATO for 
me" and that while an independent Wales may decide not to be a member, 
that it "would want to have a very close relationship with NATO". 
Similar moves towards militarism have also been seen in the Green Party 
of England and Wales, who have won their first ever seats in the Senedd.
The issue of Welsh nationalism has also become an increasingly hot 
topic. With elements of Reform wanting to see the powers of the Senedd 
restricted (or simply abolished), even the Lib Dems vowed to oppose any 
money being spent on investigating the viability of independence. 
Meanwhile Plaid have emphasised they will not push for a referendum on 
the issue this term, but that it remains a long term goal. As anarchist 
communists we are one of the few groups that oppose nationalism in all 
its forms and see the necessity of a global revolution to abolish 
capitalism. The bludgeon is no softer if it is held by a Welsh police 
officer, the public sector cuts no less deep.
Despite major electoral changes, little has changed for everyday people 
in Wales. Plaid are more interested in promoting Welsh businesses than 
the struggles of the working class. Meanwhile strikes are few and far 
between with the Welsh Trades Union Congress committed to social 
partnership with the government. This has done very little to help the 
Tata Steel workers or university employees who have faced major job 
cuts. As we go to press, the health visitors of Cwm Taf Morgannwg have 
been on strike since February 23. Welsh workers don't need class 
cooperation with their exploiters, but a revival of their proud 
tradition of militancy and solidarity.

https://www.anarchistcommunism.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/jackdaw_low-res.pdf
_________________________________________
A - I N F O S  N E W S  S E R V I C E
By, For, and About Anarchists
Send news reports to A-infos-en mailing list
A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
Subscribe/Unsubscribe https://ainfos.ca/mailman/listinfo/a-infos-en
Archive: http://ainfos.ca/en