Paris Marches on May Day 2009

This post will revisit a topic that Christophe Cerniou discussed in his Guest Post of February 28, 2009: the French experience of this continuing “Decession”(TM) (my term for the present economic situation – a cross between the Great Depression and a Whopper of a Recession.) Below, is (for me!) a brief introduction and then some links to Christophe’s recent postings from – as always for Christophe – the Forward Headquarters at the front lines. During the May day marches in Paris he was able to interview on video such French icons as “Sacree Arlette” (Arlette Laguiller) and actor and advocate for the homeless extraordinaire Augustin Legrand. His on-the-scene pictures are exceptional as well. But first,

I Try To Be Brief. The traditional May Day demonstrations in France yesterday were less populated than had been predicted by many. However, Liberation.fr explains some of the reasons (en Francais, in English Babelfish translation): one, May 1st fell on a Friday and was a three-day weekend, so it is speculated, many who might have marched on the streets were instead “marching” on the beach . . .

Regardless, perhaps some “street fatigue” had set in as well, given the January 29th and March 19th efforts. However, one should not underestimate either. Mere numbers can hide real meaning. As Fabrice Rousselot wrote in Tension and Despair (en Francais, in English):

And yesterday, the demonstrators who mobilized themselves transmitted their message: increasing concern vis-a-vis the crisis and the persistent dissatisfaction vis-a-vis the government. Admittedly, the figures were not as impressive as at the time of the days of action of March 19 and January 29. But the despair expressed with length of streamers was the same one. [Emphasis added]

Also, for the first time, the eight central trade-unions (CGT, CFDT, FO, CFTC, CFE-CGC, Unsa, Interdependent and FSU) were gathered for this demonstration. This alone has meaning that should not be ignored, although, as always when discussing the often fractious French union movements, this may be hiding a less optimistic meaning. Within an outward show of solidarity yesterday, deeper divisions are apparent. The more forceful urge of some among the union movements is to call for a general strike, perhaps before mid-Summer. Others, considered by some to be more “realistic” (CGT,CFDT) resist this. Yet, yesterday’s appearance of solidarity carries importance, although it appears that maintaining it will be the unions’ greatest challenge. One union representative said it well: “One is thus condemned to get along.”
(«On est donc condamnés à s’entendre.»)

The next test of union solidarity within France may come in mid-June, following two events: the four European demonstrations that take place in mid-May in which will include the four trade unions members of the European Confederation of the trade unions (CGT, CFDT, FO and Unsa). Then, on June 7th the European elections take place. And following that, there are only three weeks left before summer holidays. So, sometime in June we’ll see whether unité et solidarité among the French unions has been maintained. (For an interesting take on all this and its relationship to the American experience read May Day and the Contradictions of Capitalism.)

Christophe’s May Day Reporting. (Links are to Babelfish English translation of text.) Unfortunately, for us English speakers who did not pay attention very well in French classes – like me – the video interviews are, of course, in French . . . but perhaps you can call up an old friend who speaks French and reacquaint yourselves over Christophe’s interviews . . .

— Fine pictures of May Day in Paris

— The Music Is Different, but It Makes Me Think of the Gavotte [French folk dance]

— The LKP With Us (Interview, en Francais)

— Sacree Arlette (Interview with (Arlette Laguiller, en Francais)

— (Interview with Augustin Legrand, en Francais)

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