The phrase generally means to finish or settle argument or a difficult situation. In the context of the text it implies the writer is saying (as a rhetorical question) that it is time put an end to the false (in the writer's opinion) notion that Socialist value cannot be achieved by means of a centralized "State apparatus" actuated by political power in the hands of a party............... etc.
Just to be clear on this: the writer thinks Socialist value can be achieved by centralization.