The Brazilian Senate last week voted by a majority of 55 votes to 22 to impeach the President Dilma Rousseff. This marks the end of a long period of relative political stability in Brazil. The economy is in its worst recession since the 1930s. It is in this context that we can understand the recent dramatic shifts and turns in the political situation.

On May 9, an electoral unity agreement between the United Left [IU] and Podemos for Spain’s June 26 general election was announced. The impact of such a joint list means that there is the possibility of a challenge for first place against the ruling Popular Party, and thus of a Left government in Spain.

A massive protest movement in France has been taking place since February. Sparked by the announcement of a reactionary new “reform” of the labour laws, this movement is mobilising hundreds of youth, and has given birth to a new method of organisation called the Nuit debout (Night Stands Up). A new generation is being drawn into the struggle.