Latin America pledges to enhance the role of the working class

Notably, in the capital city of Havana, Cuba, millions of people as well as international friends attended parades across the country on May 1.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, May 1, Latin American countries have made government commitments to improve the lives and role of the working class in socio-economic development. Notably, in the capital of Cuba, Havana, millions of people as well as international friends attended parades throughout the country.

The parade at Revolution Square in the capital Havana took place solemnly with the participation of one million people representing the working class and for the first time with the presence of 28 Latin American countries and 68 countries around the world.

The parade at Revolution Square in the capital La Havana, Cuba took place solemnly with the participation of one million people (photo: Reuters)

President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Raul Castro and President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro presided over the rally and march, led by First Vice President of the Council of State and Ministers of Cuba Díaz-Canel and five Cuban heroes who were recently freed after the historic event of December 17 last year.

The main slogan “Solidarity in Building Socialism” is a synthesis of the present and future decisions and aspirations of the Cuban workers; Strengthening a working class that is the master and united, raising high the flag of maintaining peace, solidarity and brotherhood among peoples.

The marchers could not hide their pride in the growing working class of the Caribbean island. “I am honored to be here. All the union members are honored to be here,” said one marcher.

Many flags and slogans were held high in the hands of the crowd, affirming the Cuban people's steadfast support for the Revolution and their trust in the leadership of leader Fidel Castro and President Raul Castro.

“We support the Cuban revolution and we have supported Fidel Castro for 55 years after the revolution. Even though it was raining, it could not stop the heroic atmosphere of this parade. It shows our support for Cuba and for the victory of our revolution,” said a Cuban.

In his speech at the ceremony, Secretary General of the Cuban Workers' Center (CTC) Ulises Guilarte called on all workers to increase production and prioritize the development of socialist state companies, diversifying non-state forms of management.

On this occasion, Venezuelan President Maduro announced the decision to raise the minimum wage for workers in the country in the context of current economic difficulties due to the sharp drop in oil prices causing inflation to reach 68%, the highest among South American countries.

President Maduro stressed that the working class is the driving force of Venezuela's economy: "I announce that from today the minimum wage for workers will increase by 30%. We are committed to preparing the working class to take over the role of managing the economy of this country."

Although this wage increase may not solve the difficulties, it demonstrates the concern and efforts of the Venezuelan government in taking care of the working class.

“Today is an important day for all workers because Venezuela is going through a process of anti-imperialism and revolution towards socialism. I think the working class must assume the responsibility of power and that is why we are marching in support of President Maduro, which is also in support of Venezuela against imperialism,” said Claudio Memeces, a Venezuelan.

Bolivian President Evo Morales also decided to raise the country's minimum wage by 15% on the same day, a fourfold increase in the past decade. "When we came to power, the minimum wage was $40 and now it has increased to $240. When we came to power, Bolivia's minimum wage was the second lowest in Latin America, but now we have risen to the average and our aspiration is to ensure economic growth to ensure stability and improve the lives of workers," Bolivian President Evo Morales said.

On the same day, in Ecuador, tens of thousands of people, including President Rafael Correa, took to the streets to celebrate International Workers' Day and express their support for the current government. President Correa emphasized that recent reforms implemented by the government, such as increasing the minimum wage, have brought many benefits to workers.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff reaffirmed her government's commitment to ensuring the rights of the working class amid a stagnant economy and corruption that has left people dissatisfied with the leftist politician's way of running the country./.

According to VOV.VN