In a significant development in French politics, the CGT, the second-largest union in France, has called for voters to support the New Popular Front in the upcoming legislative elections. This move comes amid growing concerns about the potential rise of the far-right National Rally (RN) to power. The CGT's National Confederal Committee (CCN) issued a statement titled 'It is one minute to midnight,' urging employees, retirees, and the unemployed to vote for the New Popular Front's program on June 30 and July 7.
The CGT's call to action is driven by the fear that the extreme right could gain unprecedented power in the Fifth Republic, threatening democratic safeguards such as the media, justice, trade union organizations, and civil society. This concern is echoed by the union's general secretary, Sophie Binet, who emphasized that the RN has historically sided with the powerful and not with the workers.
Adding to the political tension, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has warned that President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for early legislative elections could lead to chaos. Macron's centrist coalition recently lost to the far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections, prompting the call for early elections. Sarkozy criticized the dissolution, arguing that it could provoke more anger rather than calm.
Opinion polls suggest that Sarkozy's concerns may be valid. A survey conducted by The Opinion Way and Vy Solis indicated that the National Rally would lead the first round of the parliamentary elections with 33% of the votes, ahead of the Popular Front, which is expected to secure 25%. Macron's centrist parties are projected to receive 20% of the votes.
In response to these developments, the CGT has planned a series of mobilizations, including strikes on June 20 and 27, and a demonstration on June 23 organized by feminist and trade union organizations. The union aims to block the extreme right and promote a program that aligns with the workers' needs and aspirations.
- The CGT's call for voters to support the New Popular Front marks a departure from its usual stance of not providing explicit voting instructions. This shift underscores the union's heightened concern over the potential rise of the far-right.
- Sophie Binet, the general secretary of the CGT, appeared on BFMTV to discuss the union's position. She reiterated that the extreme right does not defend workers' interests and urged employees to examine the voting records of the National Rally.
- Former President Nicolas Sarkozy's remarks highlight the political risks associated with President Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly. Sarkozy's critique reflects a broader apprehension among political figures about the potential instability that could result from early elections.
- The opinion poll results, which show the National Rally leading, add to the urgency of the CGT's call for mobilization. The union's planned strikes and demonstrations are part of a broader strategy to counter the far-right's influence and advocate for a program that addresses workers' concerns.
