French trade unionists embrace political change
16th May 2012
French voters turned the EU's cuts and austerity programme
on its head last month when they turfed out conservative president
Nicolas Sarkozy and replaced him with Francois Hollande - a
socialist who's pledged to follow a new path of jobs and
growth.
But what will this mean for France's millions of trade
unionists? For the young and for those who have been out protesting
and demonstrating against government attacks in recent months?
Leading young French trade unionist Marie Buard (pictured) of the Federation of Communication, Advice and Culture Unions (CFDT) gives her take on the election - and whether it will mean better times for the people of France.
Q: During the election campaign, what parts of Mr
Hollande's programme appealed to particularly young voters in
your opinion?
A: I don't believe young French voters were particularly drawn
to one aspect or another of Francois Hollande's programme. It
is more of a desire for change. The Left's slogan "change
is now" is significant. We young people, aged between 18 and
30, are a product of the Chirac generation. Right wing leadership
is all we have ever known. For us changing the political landscape
means voting for a left-wing party, specifically the Socialist
Party (PS). The concept of change is important in the context of
the crisis we are currently experiencing. Yes, the crisis is beyond
our control, but can be met with humanitarian values, the values of
the Republican left. Admittedly there was one significant pledge of
Francois Hollande's which may have swung the balance in his
favour - the introduction of gay marriage in France...a major step
forward for our country which shows its dynamism, and progress in
our mentalities.
Q: Do you feel this result was more a vote against Mr
Sarkozy or more a positive vote for Mr Hollande?
A: The election results clearly demonstrate a rejection of the
outgoing President Nicolas Sarkozy. The results are consistent with
the presidential campaigns run by the various political parties.
During this campaign we've heard things like "Get lost you
loser", and "Anyone but Sarkozy"...French people
these days don't come together to get behind a particular
candidate, rather against a common enemy (having said that, the
same mentality was very effective during wartime). People no longer
vote for a programme, but for a candidate. This cult of personality
in French political life is increasing every year. Indeed, all you
have to do is ask a Hollande voter which PS policy was most
influential in their decision - they won't have an answer!
Q: Did you feel that the Left Front candidate Mr Melenchon
made a big impact on the campaign? If so, how would you describe
his contribution?
A: Mr Melanchon had a very important impact during the presidential
campaign, and continues to play a significant role during the
current legislative election campaign. His presidential campaign
was masterfully executed. The campaign was innovative, attractive
to young voters, and popular. For example, on St. Valentine's
day, Mr Melanchon organised Free Hugs! The pinnacle of his campaign
was the gathering of thousands of citizens at the Bastille. He is a
very good communicator who emphasises style over demagogy.
He has also contributed to the radicalisation of French politics,
and to the rise in importance of extreme parties on the left and
the right (in terms of electoral success and activism). There is a
possibility that in the near future we will see bipartisanism
between hard right and hard left parties.
Q: Are there any lessons that you feel young political
activists in the UK could take from the election?
A: I would rather talk about advice than lessons. It's
important that all young Britons engage with politics: by taking
part in meetings (whoever the candidate), following current affairs
in the press, listening to candidate's debates...elections are
an important moment in any country's political life, which one
must experience in order to be an agent of change. Debate, exchange
of ideas... discussing politics is a way of making things progress.
Let's not forget that whatever the country politics is in the
hands of citizens, not the political elite...otherwise why would
candidates spend so much money on campaigns and place so much
importance on opinion polls?
