Sophie Binet, the general secretary of the CGT, called for the swift formation of a government of the New Popular Front (NFP) at a gathering in Paris on July 18, 2024. She did not express a preference for the future prime minister, but urged for the establishment of the NFP government. In line with her federation of railway workers, Binet asked her supporters to gather in front of prefectures and the Palais-Bourbon on July 18, the opening day of the 17th legislature, to hold the National Assembly accountable and demand respect for the popular vote.
The CGT, along with other major unions such as CFDT, UNSA, FSU, and Solidaires, campaigned against the extreme right during the legislative elections, labeling them as “racist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, sexist, homophobic, and violent.” The CGT made a significant political shift by calling for support for the New Popular Front’s program after the first round of elections. They urged all Republican candidates to commit to repealing pension reforms, abandoning unemployment insurance and public service reforms, increasing wages, pensions, social benefits, and investing heavily in public services.
In 1936, the CGT supported the Popular Front when it had reunited its reformist and socialist branches with the radical and communist branch. However, they did not initiate the “strikes of joy,” but supported them to achieve their demands for a 40-hour workweek and paid vacation. From 1945 to 1996, the CGT aligned with the French Communist Party (PCF) and supported their candidates in legislative and presidential elections. Following the rupture of the common program in 1977, the CGT aligned with the PCF and criticized the Socialist Party, leading to a period of confusion within the union.
At the 40th Congress in Grenoble in 1978, the CGT’s general secretary, Georges Séguy, acknowledged a mistake in focusing more on the common program rather than the CGT’s own program. Despite this, the CGT supported François Mitterrand in the 1981 election, claiming their belonging to the majority. The relationship between the CGT and the PCF continued to evolve, with instances of alignment, confusion, and shifts in allegiance over the years. The CGT’s history with political parties reflects a complex and changing landscape of alliances and positions within the labor movement in France.
Overall, the CGT’s recent call for the formation of a New Popular Front government reflects their ongoing commitment to progressive policies and social justice. By aligning with other major unions and supporting specific demands related to pension reforms, wages, and social benefits, the CGT is advocating for changes that will benefit workers and the broader population. The union’s history of political associations and positions underscores the complexity of labor politics in France, with tensions between different parties and unions shaping the landscape of political activism and advocacy for workers’ rights.
