Efforts to Establish a Leftist Party in Iran

A joint congress of the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas (Majority), the Organization of the United Fedai Guerrillas of Iran - Supporters of Left Unity, and leftist activists is set to take place on Friday in Cologne. During this three-day congress, the existence of a new leftist party is expected to be announced. Negotiations regarding the establishment of the new leftist party began several years ago and were accompanied by numerous ups and downs, including a split within the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas. Even the temporary council of leftist socialists in Iran withdrew from the negotiation process. Nevertheless, several leftist activists joined this process. Behrouz Khaligh, head of the political-executive committee of the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas (Majority), expressed optimism about the future and the impact of the new party on future developments in Iran in an interview with Radio Farda. When asked what reasons led you and other organizations and activists to decide to establish a joint party after several years of ideological and political debates, he summarized three main reasons: 1. The necessities of our society. Democracy and social justice are the two main issues of our society. Structural changes have made democracy an urgent issue for our society, which was clearly evident in the elections of 1997 and the 2009 protest movement. The recent protests in December also highlighted that social justice is one of the two main issues in our society. It can be said that sustainable development in our country is linked to democracy and social justice. It is clear that democracy in our country will not be sustainable without overcoming poverty, unemployment, and reducing class disparities. Our society needs a strong left force that defends sustainable development, freedom, democracy, and social justice and bases its program on these components. The unity of the three movements is a response to this societal necessity. If the left cannot respond to these necessities, extremist right forces will deceitfully raise the banner of social justice. 2. The left in our country has a historical and deep-rooted presence. However, the left is scattered and cannot be as effective in the political arena due to this fragmentation. Our effort is to overcome the fragmentation of the left. The other reason for the unity of the three movements is to overcome this fragmentation. 3. For years, among a section of the left forces, there have been somewhat similar political and ideological developments, bringing them closer together in terms of theory, program, and politics. Such proximity necessitated that we come together and plan for the formation of a unified organization. Naturally, in this process, we faced challenges and disputes, as well as losses and gains. When asked about the model the participating leftist organizations and activists have in mind for the new party, Khaligh indicated that they see the new organization as closer to the Left Party of Germany rather than the Socialist Party of France or the British Labour Party. He explained that the new organization does not define itself within the framework of social-democratic and communist parties. When questioned why the process of 'unity' was limited to the three movements that initiated the negotiations, he explained that the main reason for starting the negotiations was the closeness of their views on the left and the ideological changes they had undergone. They have learned many lessons from the two significant experiences of the February Revolution and the emergence of an ideological, authoritarian, rentier state, and the second experience of the collapse of the Soviet Union. They realized the necessity of freedom and democracy and the urgent need for them in society, as well as the connection between freedom and social justice; that socialism without democracy leads to totalitarianism. These ideological transformations brought them closer together. They concluded that organizational boundaries should not separate them. They are close in terms of thought, program, and statutes and can continue their activities in a unified organization. Regarding the obstacles faced during the years of negotiations, Khaligh mentioned that initial prejudices and periods of history of certain movements acted as deterrents. Progress in discussions and cooperation reduced prejudices and sensitivities. However, at one point, the issue of political strategy became a point of contention. Despite these obstacles and others, they managed to advance the left unity project, overcome difficulties, and prepare for the joint congress. They are now on the verge of holding the congress, which will see a significant number of leftist cadres participating. They hope the congress will be successful and the unified organization will be established. When asked about the reactions of other Iranian leftist organizations and parties to the project of establishing the new party, Khaligh noted that there have been two types of reactions among leftist political parties and organizations. Some had a positive response, expressing happiness and wishing success for the project. Others adopted a policy of silence and did not comment. These reactions were evident in the invitations sent to parties and organizations to participate in the congress. Alongside leftist parties and organizations, a significant number of leftist activists have welcomed the project and will attend the congress. It could be said that this congress is the largest gathering of leftist forces outside the country. They previously approached some leftist parties to join this project, but they did not respond positively for various reasons, including doubts about the project's feasibility. However, they hope that after the establishment of the unified organization, efforts for cooperation and leftist unity will increase so that the left can powerfully participate in the political arena of the country. When asked how hopeful they are about having an audience inside Iran, Khaligh acknowledged that the three organizations forming the new leftist party have not been successful in attracting youth. He pointed out that the three movements seeking unity have a Fedai lineage, which is a historical movement with a presence inside the country. Several supporter groups are active within the country, and there is significant interest in the emergence of the left, which is being closely followed. He rightly noted the issue of attracting youth, which is a challenge for all political movements, including leftist ones. Addressing the causes and factors behind this requires more time. Currently, leftist tendencies among university students in the country are growing, as clearly seen in the December uprising. They hope that the unity of the three movements and the formation of a unified organization will create a suitable space for dialogue with young leftists and foster a positive mindset. When asked about the party's base, Khaligh acknowledged that the new party needs a base to advance its goals and programs, especially since it is based outside Iran and faces limitations in its activities within Iran. He noted that the Fedai movement was a nationwide movement in the early years of the revolution, with organizations in most cities and widespread influence among various social groups, especially workers. However, the repression by the Islamic Republic dealt a severe blow to leftist forces, including the Fedai movement. Hundreds of prominent Fedai cadres were executed, and thousands were imprisoned. They had the largest underground organization in the country, but in 1986, this organization was struck, and according to the repressors, about a thousand were arrested. Security agencies prevent any formation of social groups, political activists, and especially leftist forces. The Iranian regime has created multi-layered security and intelligence agencies, making the establishment of a broad organization within the country impossible. However, their effort will be to attract the positive attention of leftist activists and young leftists inside the country towards the new organization. Regarding the fate of the three organizations forming the new party, Khaligh indicated that the Organization of Iranian People's Fedai Guerrillas (Majority) has planned a transitional period. This transitional period means that this organization will continue to exist after the unity and will decide on its future at the next congress, while the other two movements will cease their activities upon unification.