At least 1,200 delegates, including 500 individuals from 95 countries, attended the first ever “Congreso Mundial contra el Fascismo, el Neofascismo y Expresiones Similares” (International Congress against Fascism, Neo-Fascism and Similar Expressions) held in Caracas, Venezuela on September 10-11. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) was one of the invited and attending organizations.

From Venezuela, social and political leaders from 23 states and 3,900 councils of communes (local governing bodies based on community organizations) attended. Also present were mass movement leaders, social activists, academics, and intellectuals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Canada. Diplomatic representatives from the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Russian Republic were also present.

“The NDFP welcomed the invitation of the anti-imperialist government of Venezuela because it provided an opportunity to interact and fraternize with governments, national liberation movements, and mass organizations fighting against US imperialism and its allies, who were also delegates to the congress,” the NDFP representative in the gathering narrated. In recent years, the Venezuelan government has regularly linked with the NDFP and has always ensured its representation in activities held in the country.

The NDFP’s attendance was also a show of solidarity with the Maduro government against the continued attacks of US imperialism.

Along with Cuba, Venezuela is one of the main forces in Latin America fighting against US imperialism. US imperialism has long failed to overthrow the anti-imperialist state through various forms of aggression, including coup attempts, assassinations, crippling economic sanctions, and interference in elections. The US aims to reverse the nationalization of Venezuela’s key industries, particularly the oil industry. The US also wants to dismantle other pro-people policies implemented by former President Hugo Chavez, which are being continued by the current government of Nicolás Maduro. The Maduro government plays a crucial role in building a broad united front against US imperialism in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The congress was held amid the ongoing struggle of the Venezuelan people against US intervention in the last election, in which Maduro won for the third time. In this struggle, the Venezuelan people once again demonstrated their determination to defend their sovereignty and rights against foreign intervention.

“A major resolution of the congress was the understanding that US imperialism and its allies are the common enemy of the people worldwide,” the NDFP representative said. “It was agreed that there is a need for the exploited and oppressed people to fight against the global trend of fascism bred by the crisis of imperialism.”

The International Anti-Fascist Front was established, which will serve as a new global alliance to focus on the fight against fascism. Its goal is to unite the efforts of different countries and communities to combat the threats of extremist ideologies.

“The delegates will launch an international campaign against imperialist intervention and repression,” the representative said. “The exposure of and fight against US imperialism is mutually beneficial to the Venezuelans and Filipinos. Apart from mutual political support, other forms of cooperation can also be developed.”

While in the country, the delegates visited communes that oversee production in agriculture, handicrafts, and electronic gadgets. This showcased Venezuela’s ability to increase local production of consumer goods amid crippling US and EU sanctions.

Many Venezuelans and congress delegates warmly received the NDFP. “Some expressed admiration for the Communist Party of the Philippines,” the representative said.