The decision is a response to the election of Olaf Kemerink as chairman of Rood. This weekend he was elected by a large majority of the members, while the SP has ended his membership.
Kemerink is also a member of the Communist Platform, according to the SP. The SP board sees this organization as a political party. An SP member is not allowed to be a member of another party.
‘Contrary to Rules’
“The party board of the SP has determined that the situation that has arisen is in violation of the rules and therefore we cannot take responsibility for it,” says chairman Visscher about the decision.
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The decision basically amounts to cutting all ties with the youth organization. Only when Kemerink and another expelled board member leave will the ties be restored.
Appeal registered
The two controversial board members of Rood were able to participate in the election this weekend, because they have appealed against the termination of their membership. According to them, the Communist Platform is not a political party and they do not act contrary to the statutes of the SP at all.
The two feel that they are being punished for being critical. A motion has been passed at Rood to exclude government participation of the SP after the elections. While party leader Lilian Marijnissen wants to keep a possible participation in a coalition open.
‘Attic communists
The board has withdrawn four other members from membership for ties to the Communist Platform. This organization is controversial because it believes that weapons should be used in the class struggle if necessary. Within the SP the expelled members are referred to as ‘radicalized attic communists’.
The cancellations have led to unrest within the SP. Among other things, a petition has been started under the name ‘SP against the witch hunt’. It has now been signed by about 600 people.
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