The coronavirus crisis has brought the national tensions within the European Union to the fore, leading to a sharp conflict between the northern and southern European member states over spending. The European project is facing its demise.

We are told: “The virus does not discriminate – rich and poor alike, we are all in this together.” However, the reality is that the privileged elite, who enjoy relative safety, expect the workers to risk infection to keep profits rolling in.

The coronavirus crisis in Italy has brought out the real nature of the capitalist system, where profit is being placed before lives. The working class is reacting with militant strike action. What lessons can be drawn from this experience?