The working class cannot take over the existing state apparatus and use it for its purposes. The state apparatus in a capitalist society is formed in a way that gives the capitalist class power. Taking over the state apparatus would only mean to run capitalism. Therefore communists stand for reforms that undermine the existing state and the ruling class, which strengthens the position of the working class. The current state apparatus must be replaced by a democratic republic to continue to make way for social revolution and eventually communism.
Communists stand for the expansion of working class power and influence in all areas of society through self-organisation and democracy: workplace, workers' organisations, local and national politics, etc. We are fighting for every reform that may increase this power and influence. Democracy has a cultural dimension as well: it should be more than going to the voting booth every four or five years, much more. It should become a norm - especially within the context of modern direct communications – for everyone to reflect upon and participate in decisions about the workplace, the environment, etc. These values of democracy and self-empowerment should lead to a multitude of organisation: from "red" unions to cooperatives and from solidarity networks to recreation collectives. Within this movement with its variety of organisational forms, the Communist Party is a political framework that ties all of these organisations together to achieve a common struggle.