The following statement by Gauche Révolutionnaire (Revolutionary Left- CWI France) is in response to the 18 September strike action by French workers against the budget plans of the government of President Emmanuel Macron. The budget would see an assault on workers living conditions. Our French comrades look at what demands and actions are needed next by the workers’ movement to force back Macron and win gains for the working class.
Socialistworld.net
- After the success of the 18 September strike, let’s strengthen the fight!
- The 18 September strike was a success, with nearly 1 million workers and young people taking to the streets! The demonstrations were very successful; we felt numerous and strong! Anger against president Macron and his policies that serve the capitalists is starting to be widely expressed. Let’s continue to strengthen the movement!
- What is needed now is a massive and determined strike
- The trade union leaderships wanted to present an offensive face with this ultimatum, which isn’t really one given the vagueness of their threat: new prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, would have until 24 September to present the outlines of a budget that meets expectations, otherwise the unions will call further strike action.
- The reality is that the mobilised workers and young people don’t expect anything from Lecornu; they want him out! And Macron with him! To take back everything they’ve stolen from us for 25 years and to finally see a policy that serves our social class. The statement of CGT union confederation general secretary, Sophie Binet, saying that “it’s the streets that must write the budget” is a good stance to build on. But if we want to make this possible, it means building a movement that allows workers to make the decisions.
- Macron is definitely not going to give in right now. The union leaderships’ statements must be used to allow us to continue building the struggle in workplaces, schools, and on the streets. Everywhere, we must discuss demands, strike together, and convince those who didn’t strike on 10 and 18 September to join us. Let’s call for the next step to be a national strike of three consecutive days to show that we are ready to raise our voices as much as necessary!
To put an end to Macron and his capitalist policies, we need a political programme that serves the majority of the population. Workers and young people, all united for:
- A €300 wage increase for all! Lower prices and indexation of wages to the cost of living.
- Jobs for all, with reduced working hours and no loss of pay! Zero job cuts! For the public ownership of the companies that lay off workers, under the control and management of workers.
- For fully public, free, and quality services: repeal of privatisations and commissioning to the private sector, massive hiring, and budgets that meet needs.
- Decent housing for all, lower rents, requisition of empty homes.
- For the expropriation of capitalists and the (re)nationalisation of the main sectors of the economy (banks, transport, energy, etc.) and their democratic management by workers.
- Macron: Out! And all pro-capitalist policies with him! For a workers’ government! Let’s organise to remove Macron!
The question of how to remove Macron and what to replace him with is central. Gauche Révolutionnaire (Revolutionary Left) puts forward the need to fight for a workers’ government that would serve the majority of the population, born out of, and supported by our struggle.
To build and expand the struggle, we need to organise, discuss, and act. Gauche Révolutionnaire is a party of workers and youth that is active in developing and strengthening the struggle, through putting forward demands and methods. We are fighting to get rid of Macron and for a society free of capitalism, exploitation, racism, wars …. We are fighting for socialism, an egalitarian, democratic, and fraternal society where workers are in control of the economy and power.
If you’re interested, now’s the time to discuss and campaign with Gauche Révolutionnaire! Join us!