Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar February 13, 2013

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar

February 13, 2013

Protest Save Coburg from over-development horror! Wednesday, February 13, 6pm (for 6:30pm start). Town Hall, 90 Bell St, Coburg (100m East of Sydney Road intersection). Coburg residents are campaigning to stop a council plan to give developers open slather in the Bell St-Sydney Road area with 10- and 8-storey buildings. Protest outside Moreland Council meeting then go into the council meeting at 7pm. Councillor Sue Bolton will move to extend the time for submissions on the plan and to hold town hall meetings on the issue.

Film screening West of Memphis Friday, February 15, 7pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. Watch award-winning filmmaker Amy Berg's searing new examination of the notorious murder case against the West Memphis Three, and their fight for justice against systemic failures of the Arkansas police and court systems. Fundraiser for Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre to help support an unprecedented legal battle to hold the Victoria Police to account for practices of racial profiling and discrimination. $20. To book visit West of Memphis.

Green Left Weekly BBQ fundraiser The revolution in Venezuela: An eyewitness report Sunday, February 24, from 1pm. 4 Castle St, Yarraville. Guest speaker: Peter Rochester, participant in the 2012 Venezuela solidarity brigade. Yummy BBQ food + salads. Live music from Tom Flenady and his band. Bar available. Entry (inc food): $25 solidarity, $20 waged, $12 concession. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978.

Film screenings Underground: The Julian Assange Story Each screening will be introduced by the director Robert Connolly with a discussion to follow with special guests. Before WikiLeaks, before the internet even existed, Julian Assange was a teenage computer hacker in Melbourne. This is his story. ·   Sunday, March 17, 6:30pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. For more info ph 9347 5331. ·   Tuesday, March 19, 6:45pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. For more info ph 9347 5331. ·   Wednesday, March 20, 6:45pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. For more info ph 9347 5331. ·   Thursday, March 21, 6:45pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. For more info ph 9347 5331. ·   Friday, March 22, 6:45pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. For more info ph 9347 5331. ·   Sunday, March 24, 4pm. Palace Brighton Bay, 294 Bay St, Brighton. For more info ph 9596 3590.

Other coming events

Until Sunday, February 24

Exhibition: Blue & Pink Phenomenon. This exhibition examines the queer role played in a post-identity and also, increasingly, post-gender contemporary society. Drew Pettifer's photographic outdoor billboard installation, Still Revolting, examines the ongoing relevance of the queer protester as an agent of political and social change. Gallery opening hours: Thurs-Sun, 11am-5pm. The Substation, 1 Market St, Newport. For more info visit Midsumma.

Festival: Sustainable Living Festival. The Sustainable Living Festival raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing leading solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face. It aims to inspire and empower everyday Australians to accelerate the uptake of sustainable living. For more info visit SLF.

Wednesday, February 13

Public meeting: Commemorating the 5th anniversary of the national apology. An event to continue the journey towards healing and recognition, and show support for members of the stolen generation. Live music from the Kutcha Edwards Trio. Free coffee and breakfast. 8-10am. Federation Square Main Stage, cnr Flinders & Swanston Sts, City. For more info visit Reconciliation Victoria.

Rally: Save Coburg from over-development. Protest outside Moreland Council meeting. 6pm (for 6:30pm start) then go into the council meeting at 7pm. Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell St, Coburg (100m East of Sydney Road intersection).

Thursday, February 14

Stopwork rally and march: No love for Baillieu. AEU teachers, support staff and principals rallying in Hisense Arena and marching to Parliament House in support of our EBA dispute with the Baillieu government. Parents and supporters are welcome on the march. 10:30am. Hisense Arena, Olympic Boulevard, Richmond then march to Parliament for rally at 12:30pm.

Public meeting: Ideas for Melbourne: Ending homelessness. Tonight 20,000 Victorians are homeless. How do we get people off the streets and into shelter? Should we give money and if so, to individuals or organisations? Is homelessness inevitable or can we make changes to end it once and for all? With Alan Attwood, Heather Holst, Suzy Freeman-Greene and Spike Chiappalone. 6:15pm. The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale St, City. To book visitWheeler Centre.

V-Day event: One Billion Rising. One Billion Rising is the brainchild of Eve Ensler, author of the Vagina Monologues and the inspiration behind V-Day, an annual day of action against violence towards women. In 2013, we are going to dance our protest! We will gather in Melbourne's Fed Square, accompanied by some of the best DJ's and musicians Melbourne has to offer. Join us as we bring women's rights to the heart of Melbourne, through dance, through joy, through action! Visit: One Billion Rising to register.

Thursday, February 14-Sunday, February 24

Exhibition: Jacky Green: Flow of Voices, Paintings from the Gulf of Carpentaria. 'I want the government and mining companies to know that we are still here. We aren't going anywhere. We aren't dead yet. We are still here, feeling the country.' With photographs and videos by Jessie Boylan. Arena Project Space, 2 Kerr St, Fitzroy. Opening: Thu 14th February 2013 with Jacky Green, Jon Altman and Sean Kerins (Centre For Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU). For more info visit Flow of Voices.

Friday, February 15

Public meeting: Ideas for Melbourne: Making racism history. Melbourne is famously multicultural but the past year has proven that racism is also rife. For instance, a VicHealth survey reported 97% of Aboriginal Victorians had experienced racism in the past 12 months. What are we doing to combat racism? And how can we learn from past mistakes? With Susan Carland, Adam Bandt, Kutcha Edwards and Chin Tan. 6:15pm. The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale St, City. To book visit Wheeler Centre.

Film screening: West of Memphis. Watch award-winning filmmaker Amy Berg's searing new examination of the notorious murder case against the West Memphis Three, and their fight for justice against systemic failures of the Arkansas police and court systems. Fundraiser for Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre to help support an unprecedented legal battle to hold the Victoria Police to account for practices of racial profiling and discrimination. 7pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. $20. To book visit West of Memphis.

Rally: International campaign in support of the Mapuche. The Chilean government led by a right-wing coalition, with Sebastian Piñera as president has increased the repression and violence against the Mapuche, indigenous people from the south of Chile and Argentina, with the militarisation of their territories, harassment, and assassination attempts. The government is applying the anti-terrorist law from the former Pinochet dictatorship to criminalise the Mapuche people and their supporters, with many killed in recent years. 7pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City. For more info ph 0434 244 568 or 0431 368 606.

Saturday, February 16

Performance: Slamalamadingdong: 'Seeds of change' slam. A collaboration with The Sustainable Living Festival. Poets have the opportunity to respond to the theme of the rise of environmental and social practices for a more sustainable world. Featuring the legendary front-line activists and hip-hop group Combat Wombat with Monkey Marc, Elf Transzporter and MC Izzy. 6:30pm doors open and poet registration; 7:30pm show starts. Bella Union, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon St & Victoria Pde, Carlton South. To book visit Bella Union.

Sunday, February 17

Campaign launch: Environment Victoria's Paid to Pollute. Richard Denniss and Environment Victoria explore the case for removing fossil fuel subsidies. Every year Australian taxpayers foot a $10 billion bill to subsidise polluting activities. Fossil fuel subsidies are such a big problem that the International Energy Agency has said that phasing them out could provide half of the carbon savings needed to stop dangerous levels of climate change. Environment Victoria is launching an exciting new campaign called 'Paid to Pollute' which aims to build sustained pressure for the removal of all fossil fuel subsidies in Australia. RSVP to Environment Victoria.

Rally: Flying Foam Massacre Remembrance Day: Stand Up for the Burrup. In memory of the February 17 1868 Flying Foam Massacre of the Yaburara people of the Burrup, there will be a Stand Up for the Burrup photo-shoot action at the World Heritage Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, on Wurundjeri land. 2pm. Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson St, Carlton. Please bring flags and placards. For more info ph Davie Thomason on 0430 570 815.

Tuesday, February 19

Rally: Protest Geert Wilders visit to Melbourne: No to Islamophobia, No to racist hate. In response to the proposed speaking tour of notable racist and far-right Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, a group of anti-racist campaigners have initiated plans to protest his visit to Melbourne. Wilders is the founder and leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom and campaigns against what he calls the 'Islamisation of the Netherlands'. Venue to be confirmed. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Wednesday, February 20

Book launch: We will not go quietly. Launch of zine by sexual assault survivors for sexual assault survivors. It is a beautiful collation of artwork, personal narratives and poetry designed to give survivors a voice. Co-hosted by Kate Ravenscroft and Matthew James and featuring music by the spectacular Jen Kingwell, readings from our contributors and others speakers we cordially invite you to celebrate the official birth of our baby. 6:30pm. Hares Hyenas, 63 Johnston St, Fitzroy. To RSVP email Matt.

Saturday, February 23

Public meeting: Wikileaks Australians Citizens Alliance. WACA is holding a public meeting in Melbourne for those who wish to be involved in our campaign for 2013. This year will be huge as we defend Wikileaks and aim to see Julian Assange Free. 2013 is also an election year and there will be plenty to do with the launch of the Wikileaks Party and Julian Assange running for Senate. Come along and find out how you can help. 6pm. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South (meet in foyer).

Sunday, February 24

Green Left Weekly BBQ fundraiser: The revolution in Venezuela: An eyewitness report. Guest speaker: Peter Rochester, participant in the 2012 Venezuela solidarity brigade. 1pm til late. 4 Castle St, Yarraville. Yummy BBQ food + salads. Live music by Chalouche, playing a mostly upbeat mix of French Gypsy dance music and songs. Bar available. Entry (inc food): $25 solidarity, $20 waged, $12 concession. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978.

Tuesday, February 26

Film screening: Rafea: Solar Mama. Directed by Jehane Noujaim and Mona Eldaief, Rafea Solar Mama is a riveting film about a Bedouin woman's journey to become a solar engineer, power her village and re-wire the minds of her traditional Bedouin community. Rafea, is one of two women from Jordan chosen to travel to India to attend the Barefoot College, where illiterate women from around the world are trained in six months to be solar engineers. If Rafea succeeds, she will be able to electrify her village, train more engineers, and provide for her daughters. But can she overcome all the obstacles that stand in her way? 7:30pm. Bella Union, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon St & Victoria Pde, Carlton. To book visit Bella Union.

Wednesday, February 27

Dinner: Western Sahara National Day Celebration. Guest speaker: Arnold Zable (author, human rights advocate). Lomond Hotel, 225 Nicholson St, Brunswick East (cnr Blyth St; last stop 96 tram). 6:30pm (for 7pm start). Bookings: 0425 702 975 or email Australia West Sahara Association.

Concert: Flogging Molly. Irish/American punk band Flogging Molly released their fifth studio album, Speed of Darkness in 2011, that takes on the situation facing US working people. (see United States: Economy floundering, resistance begins.) With The Lawrence Arms and Lucero. 8pm. Palace Theatre, 20-30 Bourke St, City.

Friday, March 1

Film screening: Free West Papua: The Resistance steps up. For 40 years, Western countries such as Australia have been complicit in Indonesia's brutal occupation of West Papua. The harsh regime has helped facilitate the exploitation of the area’s riches in natural resources by Western and Indonesian companies. Guest speaker: Rev Peter Woods. 7:30pm. Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy (near cnr Johnson St). $5. Funds to political prisoners. For more info ph Ricky Rumbiak 0434 026 875.

Saturday, March 2

Rally: The Hills march against Maccas. Tecoma (population 2189) is a peaceful village in the Dandenong Ranges. McDonalds lodged a planning application which met with over 1100 objections relating to traffic, litter, noise and local amenity issues. The Shire of Yarra Ranges council agreed and UNANIMOUSLY rejected the proposal. McDonalds took the application to VCAT. Despite over 300 local residents putting forward detailed objections, VCAT ruled in McDonalds' favour and granted them planning permission for a 24-hour drive through 'restaurant'. This decision highlights problems with VCAT and current government planning laws which put all Victorian communities at risk of unwelcome and inappropriate developments. 12pm. Starts in Belgrave (carpark between Cameo & La Collina Pizzeria) then march to Tecoma Primary School. Includes speakers, musicians, BBQ, kids activities. For more info visit Burger Off!.

Wednesday, March 6

Public meeting: Boycott NAPLAN tests. This forum will discuss the impact of testing on education and the possibility of a campaign to boycott the NAPLAN tests. We believe the time has come to seriously challenge the NAPLAN tests and the increasingly negative and discriminatory impact of national testing on both teaching and learning. Speakers: David Hornsby (Say No to Naplan); Mary Merkenich (Teachers & Education Support Alliance); Jorge Jorquera (Popular Education Network Australia). 6:30pm. Room FLB01, Victoria University, 301 Flinders Lane, City. For more info email Boycott NAPLAN.

Saturday, March 9

Socialist Alliance International Women's Day breakfast: Fight for your rights! 10am. Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). Presented by Socialist Alliance & Green Left Weekly. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Rally: International Women's Day 2013: Unite to stop attacks on women. Demands: re-instate the sole parent pension. End mandatory detention of asylum seekers. More funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services. End violence and sexual harassment against woment and girls. 1pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City.

Public meetings: Face to Face with Fukushima Australian Tour.To commemorate 2 years since the Fukushima nuclear disaster, people directly affected will visit Australia to share their stories of radiation and resilience and see where uranium is mined and exported to Japan. Speakers: Akira Kawasaki (Peace Boat Organisation, Tokyo); Hasegawa Kenichi (a farmer from the Iitate Village, Fukushima); Tomohiro Matsuoka (Japanese for Peace, Melbourne). 1pm. Picnic & talk at Village Green, CERES Community Environment Park, cnr Roberts & Stewart Sts, Brunswick East. Organised by Japanese for Peace. RSVPs to Japanese for Peace.

Public meetings: Face to Face with Fukushima Australian Tour. See entry above for details. 6:30pm. La Notte, 140 Lygon St Carlton. $30. Organised by Medical Association for Prevention of War. RSVP to MAPW.

Thursday-Friday, March 14-15

Conference: Iraq 10 years on. The forum will review the successes and failures of Australia's role in the war and the tenuous and difficult relationship between the two nations beyond the withdrawal. Deakin University City Centre Campus, L3 550 Bourke St, Melbourne. Speakers will include Dr Jenny Grounds, President of Medical Association for the Prevention of War. Presented by The Australian Middle East Research Forum (attached to Deakin University's Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation).

Friday, March 15

Film screening: Rachel. It was 10 years ago that Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli bulldozer as she tried to stop it crushing a Palestinian home. This is the story of her tragic death and the people she had come to love. 6:15pm (for 6:30pm sharp). State Library of Victoria, Entry 2, La Trobe St, City. $15 plus booking fee. Only Australian screening. Presented by Australians for Palestine.

Sunday, March 17-Sunday, March 24

Film screenings: Underground: The Julian Assange Story. See display advertisement above for details.

Wednesday, March 20

Rally: Campaign launch against BAE systems in RMIT. BAE systems is one of the major companies that supply military equipment to the Israeli army and one of the major sponsors of the RMIT engineering department. One example is the 'head-up' display for F16 fighter aircraft, which have been used to turn Lebanese and Palestinian villages into rubble. 12 noon. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City. Organised by Students for Palestine.

Public meeting: Persecuted in Sri Lanka, Detained in Australia: The plight of Tamil refugees. The Australian government is deporting hundreds Tamil asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka, claiming that they are 'economic migrants'. Australia is also increasing its collaboration with Sri Lankan intelligence and navy to prevent Tamil asylum seekers from leaving Sri Lanka. This forum will expose the truth about the ongoing state-sponsored persecution of Tamils and critics of the Rajapaksa regime. It will also critique Australian refugee policies which have condemned thousands of asylum seekers to imprisonment indefinitely on the mainland and in its offshore prison camps on Nauru and Manus Island. Speakers: Bruce Haigh (former Australian diplomat to Sri Lanka who has spoken out against Australia's complicity in the oppression of the Tamils); Siva Sivakumar (Communication Officer, Australasian Federation of Tamil Associations); Trevor Grant (a coordinator of the Boycott Sri Lanka Cricket Campaign & a member of RAC). 6:30pm. Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St, City. Hosted by the Refugee Action Collective. For more info visit RAC.

Friday, March 22

Red Cinema: Pink Saris. 2010 documentary by Kim Longinotto about the feminist 'Gulabi gang' in India which fights widespread domestic abuse and other violence against women. 7pm (meal from 6:30pm). Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). $10/$5. Presented by Socialist Alliance & Green Left Weekly. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Monday, March 25

Concert: Manu Chao. Manu Chao are a amazing politico band who write songs like 'clandestini' about refugees and aysylum seekers. However, their music is also a riot of latino, samba, ska, reggae rythms, a bit of europop and the kitchen sink thrown in for good measure. They use their success to support many radical causes around the world. 8pm. Palace Theatre, 20-30 Bourke St, City. To book visit Ticketek.

Thursday, March 28-Sunday, March 31

Conference: Marxism 2013: Ideas to challenge the system. Presented by Socialist Alternative. Sponsored by Socialist Alliance and Green Left Weekly. Melbourne University. For more info and bookings visit Marxism 2013.

Friday, March 29-Sunday, April 7

Friends of the Earth's Radioactive Exposure Tour to South Australian outback. From Melbourne via Adelaide. For more info ph Gem 0421 955 066, email Radioactive Exposure Tour or visit FoE.

Friday, April 12

Red Cinema: Silenced Voices. Beate Arnestad's 2012 documentary on the repression of journalists by the Rajapaksa regime in Sri Lanka. (Run time 60mins.) Presented by Socialist Alliance. 7pm (meal from 6:30pm). $10/$5. Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). For more info ph 9639 8622.

Sunday, April 14

Fundraiser: These Machines Cut Razor Wire 2013. Massive rootsy line-up including Chris Wilson, Charles Jenkins, Les Thomas, Suzannah Espie, The Stillsons (duo), Jed Rowe, Beautiful Change and more to be announced. We'll be raising our voices and much-needed funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. 2:30pm (doors open 2pm). The Thornbury Theatre, 859 High St, Thornbury. $25 (children under 12 free). For more info visit The Thornbury Theatre or ph 9484 9831. Bookings Oztix. Presented by Unpaved/Les Thomas/3CR.

Thursday, April 25-Sunday, April 28

Refugee rights national convergence in Northam, WA. Refugee rights groups around the country will be converging on Yongah Hill Detention Centre on the Anzac weekend, 2013, to protest against the mandatory detention of asylum seekers.

Conference: Edufactory, Disassembling the Neoliberal University. The second EduFactory conference is being held on Gadigal country at the University of Sydney over the ANZAC Day long weekend. EduFactory aims to bring together radical education activists from around the country for a weekend of political discussion, skill sharing, and debates on the future of national education activism. This is also an opportunity to organize for the upcoming year's campaigns and develop activist networks. For more info visit Edufactory.

Geelong & regional Victoria

Saturday, February 16

Castlemaine Film screening: Lurujarri Dreaming. A 26-minute educational animated documentary outlining the Goolarabooloo tribe's recent history and rich cultural connection to country, using the nine-day Lurujarri Heritage Trail as its main structural thread. The narrator, a young Goolarabooloo tracker named Brian Councillor, guides the viewer along the Lurujarri Heritage Trail, introducing people and places. 3pm. Lot 19, Langslow St, Castlemaine. To book visitLurujarri.

Sunday, February 17

Poowong Rally: Coal Seam Gas Free human sign: declaring Poowong the first CSG free town in Victoria! Help us create a human sign to celebrate the first Victorian town to declare itself Coal & Coal Seam Gas Free. 11:30am. Poowong Football Club. For more info email Ursula or ph 0403 905 477.

Red Cinema Pink Saris Friday, February 22, 7pm (meal from 6:30pm). Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. 2010 documentary by Kim Longinotto about the feminist 'Gulabi gang' in India which fights widespread domestic abuse and other violence against women. Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 5222 6900.

Monday, March 18

Forum: Fukushima two years on. Is nuclear power clean and green? Peter Karamoskos, a nuclear radiologist, and public representative on the Radiation Health Committe of nuclear regulatory body ARPANSA, will speak at an event for Geelong members and supporters, and local medical students and health professionals and interested members of the public. Dr Karamoskos visited the Fukushima area in a 2012 IPPNW medical delegation and has many interesting stories and pictures. He's also very well-versed in the broader issues of nuclear safety. 6:30pm. Venue TBA. Presented by Medical Association for the Prevention of War. For more info email MAPW.

Campaign committees

Beyond Zero Emissions Melbourne branch meetings. BZE's monthly branch meetings are a way for current and prospective BZE volunteers to meet up, get to know each other and discuss upcoming events such as presentations, stalls, film nights and discussion groups. Meets on the third Monday of every month at Level 2, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Active and prospective volunteers welcome. For more info email Vicky Fysh or ph 0401 087 085.

Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective meetings. Wednesdays. FoE office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For meeting times & more info email Zin.

Melbourne Feminist Action Group. We think it's time to put women's rights back on the public agenda. We've started an open organising group and everyone's invited, from already existing women's rights groups and activist organisations, to women and men who may never have been involved in feminist action in their lives but just want to do something. We want to get together to have that crucial discussion: what can we do, right now, that will give this movement a push? It's open to everyone; anyone who attends can have their say. If you can make it, bring your ideas about what you would like to see happen next. Meets weekly at Trades Hall. For more info ph 0438 869 790 or emailMelbFemAction.

Quit Coal: No New Coal Power for Victoria. A Melbourne-based collective which campaigns against expansion of the coal industry in Victoria. We believe this is important because building new coal infrastructure locks in decades of dirty, old technology, when we should be moving towards clean, renewable energy. Quit Coal meets each Wednesday at 6pm, at FOE, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For more info visit Quit Coal or call Shaun 0402 337 077.

Refugee Action Collective (RAC). Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community. It aims to mobilise opposition to Australia's inhuman refugee policies. For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC.

Victorian Climate Action Calendar. For a comprehensive list of climate action events in our state. The VCAC covers events in Victoria and major events elsewhere and is intended to inform, educate and inspire. To subscribe to the calendar email Monique Decortis. Weekly updates are e-mailed out and online updates are available at VCAC. To add an event to the calendar, please download the Event Template from the website. Feel free to forward the VCAC to other interested people.

Workers Solidarity Network. WSN believes that we, as workers, have the power to improve our working conditions and bring about positive social change. WSN believes that our country is not a real democracy unless we have democratic workplaces where workers have a say. WSN believes that the only way to bring about a fairer share of resources in our society in by forming active unions and community organisations to fight for it. For more info visitWSN.

Links: 'socialism for the 21st century' Links is an online journal which seeks to provide a forum for open and constructive dialogue between active socialists from different political traditions. It seeks to bring together those in the international left who are opposed to neoliberal economic and social policies, and reject the bureaucratic model of 'socialism' that arose in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Inspired by the unfolding socialist revolution in Venezuela, Links is a journal for 'Socialism of the 21st Century' and the discussions and debates flowing from that powerful example of socialist renewal. ·   France: As Hollande takes the social-liberal road, what prospects for the left? ·   French troops in Mali 'for the long haul'; left responds to war ·   In defence of the transitional method ·   Chris Williams: What must be done to stop climate change?