After leaving the Left Party, Lorena Delgado Varas embarks on a humanitarian mission to Gaza with Greta Thunberg, criticizing Sweden's lack of pressure on Israel. The initiative, involving delegations from over 40 countries, aims to break the blockade with a flotilla of boats.
Lorena Delgado Varas and Greta Thunberg Set Sail for Gaza Amid Political Turmoil
Lorena Delgado Varas and Greta Thunberg Set Sail for Gaza Amid Political Turmoil
On Sunday, Lorena Delgado Varas left the Left Party after the party board forced her out. Now, she is sailing to Gaza with Greta Thunberg.
– The Swedish government has not put enough pressure on Israel to open a humanitarian corridor, so civil society must step in, she says.
The saga surrounding Lorena Delgado Varas and the Left Party concluded at a press conference on Sunday. After the party board initiated an exclusion case against her and colleague Daniel Riazat, the members announced they would voluntarily leave the party but remain in parliament.
At the same time, the now independent politician criticized the Left Party, claiming it has become increasingly harsh and cold under Nooshi Dadgostar's leadership.
– Organizationally, it has become a Stalinist organization, but politically it is social democratic, said Delgado Varas at the press conference.
“Pushing to Break the Blockade”
After recent turbulence, she is now taking a temporary break from her role as a member of parliament to sail to Gaza.
– The idea is to gather as many boats as possible to enter Gaza via the Mediterranean with humanitarian aid, thereby opening up a humanitarian corridor, says Delgado Varas.
She is currently in Barcelona, where preparations for the journey are underway. Delegations from over 40 countries will participate in the initiative led by the organization Global Sumud Flotilla.
Several attempts have been made to deliver aid to Gaza, but they have been repeatedly stopped. For instance, when the sailboat Madleen, with Greta Thunberg on board, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters.
However, the conditions are now different, according to Delgado Varas.
– This is a larger initiative with countries from all over the world and significantly more boats. Additionally, there is a very large international movement pushing to break the blockade, she says.
Thunberg Present in Spain
The sailing begins from Spain on Sunday. Next Thursday, they will join several boats sailing from Tunisia, then head towards Gaza. Thunberg is also participating in the action.
– She is here in Barcelona and has been giving lectures. We have talked a bit, says Delgado Varas.
She expects to be away for three weeks and will not be present when parliament reopens on September 9.
– I have informed the Speaker that I will miss the opening of parliament, she says.
Until then, Delgado Varas does not want to answer questions about her future role as an independent politician. Nor whether she plans to start a new party with Daniel Riazat, after hinting at an “alternative” during Sunday's press conference.
– We will address that when I return, she says.