New left-wing figures like Zohran Mamdani in New York and Zarah Sultana in the UK are generating tremendous enthusiasm. These self-described socialists denounce capitalism and billionaires and propose bold reforms to alleviate the immediate problems of workers.These reforms can appear more realistic or practical than the messy business of revolution.

Yet all over the world, capitalism is in an existential crisis. Far from granting reforms, the ruling class is ruthlessly clawing back reforms that were won in the past.So can we really reform our way to socialism? Is revolution necessary? And if so, is there any use fighting for reforms within capitalism? Finally, what should be the attitude of Communists towards these reformist figures?

In this presentation from the 2026 Montreal Marxist Winter School, Josh Holroyd (member of the International Secretariat of the Revolutionary Communist International, editor of In Defence of Marxism magazine) explains the shortcomings of reform-ism, how Marxists approach reforms, and how we can fight for a successful socialist revolution.

This presentation was recorded on February 15, 2026.

Note: translation has been edited out for clarity.

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