Communist Bloc of Franciston

Socialism

The **Communist Bloc of Franciston** (**CBF**, Malay: *Blok Komunis Franciston*;), is a Marxist–Leninist communist political party in Calliebrium. It is part of the ruling coalition **Socialist Front** and remains the only political party in Calliebrium to officially adhere to communist philosophy. CBF was one of the few parties established after Calliebrium's independence in 2022, founded by Kieran Joss, a prominent British-born socialist immigrant to Calliebrium to contest against the dominance of the Libertarian Republican Party (LRP).

The history of the CBF is closely related to the history of the Calliebrium independence movement and the history of left-wing parties in Calliebrium. Initially operating underground, the party played a prominent role in the history of the labor movement in Franciston, playing a key role in the founding of various trade unions still operating today. The party was unique among labor activist groups of the time in being outspokenly anti-racist and pro-Nikolaidis during the Proclamation movement, which saw the Prime Minister openly advocating for the wider anti-ethnicity movement to abolish race labelling in the Republic. During the Second General Election, the CBF allied with other left-wing parties and became part of the ruling coalition, winning 4 seats during the same election.

During its apex, the CBF became popular among industrial workers and agriculturalists whom arrived in Franciston post-independence and at one point was seen as the sole party advocating for workers in Franciston. Post-Proclamation, the party became a major critic of the Theofanis administration especially in Franciston, and openly competed against Jeremiah Nikolaidis, whom is also a prominent politician based in Franciston. However, during the 2nd General Election, the CBF reconciled with Nikolaidis and and the Workers' Homeland Integration Party (WHIP) to form the Socialist Front.

## Beliefs and ideology

The CBF's party constitution lays out the principles and philosophy that is adhered at all times by the party in Calliebrimium politics. The constitution has touched on various aspects of society in which the CBF fights for in a strictly left-wing manner such as women, environment, sovereignty of the Republic's constitution, minimum wage, labour laws and democracy.

### Democracy

The Communist Party emphasizes a vision of socialism as an extension of democracy. Seeking to "build socialism in the republic based on the revolutionary traditions and struggles" of history, the party promotes a vision that will "guarantee all the freedoms we have won over centuries of struggle and also extend the constitution to include freedom from unemployment" as well as freedom "from poverty, from illiteracy, and from discrimination and oppression". The party has also mirrored itself largely on the Communist Party USA and its beliefs.

The CBF advocates for a form of democratic socialism while emphasizing on revolutionary ideals outlined in Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto to establish a true socialist, equal and egalitarian society. In the Second National Convention hosted in Franciston, the party has outlined and unanimously agreed on its stance on democracy in the republic, which the party shall fully advocate for "regardless of any opposition to the revolution". The party has refuted claims of it being anti-democratic and has strongly opposed tyranny and imperialism.

### Minimum wage, labour laws and employment

The CBF strongly advocates for a minimum wage for all employees regardless of profession and has pushed the government in establishing pro-worker labour and employment laws. The party had launched campaigns against suppression of labour unions in the republic and spearheaded many strikes against employer groups which are deemed "overly-capitalistic and parasitic" to Calliebrimiums.

The Communist Party believes that "class struggle starts with the fight for wages, hours, benefits, working conditions, job security, and jobs. But it also includes an endless variety of other forms for fighting specific battles: resisting speed-up, picketing, contract negotiations, strikes, demonstrations, lobbying for pro-labor legislation, elections, and even general strikes". The Communist Party's national programs considers workers who struggle "against the capitalist class or any part of it on any issue with the aim of improving or defending their lives" part of the class struggle.