This Saturday in Nice, the PCF 06 held its political comeback with activists, engaging in local debates and discussing the government situation without a Prime Minister. Responding to the call, the Greens, the PS, and LFI were present. An evening in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Music, laughter, hugs, a refreshment stall… but also seriously indignant speeches, calls for uprising, and the pursuit of peace. On Saturday evening, at Saint Roch square in Nice, leftist activists gathered to exchange ideas and continue their fight against “the far right, and the extreme center.”
The PCF 06 Organizer
As the spearhead of the evening, the PCF aimed to “drive, unite,” explains Julien Picot, Departmental Secretary of PCF 06. A common practice in the Communist Party’s culture. “Struggling is a daily sacrifice,” he says. Thus, activists need to “come together in a good atmosphere.” Indeed, conviviality would be present throughout the evening.
Julien Picot recalls the French political climate. In his speech, he notably mentions the “historically high scores” of the RN and President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to “deny the choice of the ballots.” He calls on citizens to mobilize on September 7 for the protest organized by youth groups, and to support the newspaper Patriote, celebrating its 80th anniversary.
Focusing on local issues, Julien Picot doesn’t hesitate to condemn the “3 billion euros of accumulated debt” for Nice and its metropolitan area—the lack of social housing in the region (12% in Alpes-Maritimes according to FR3, while the law requires it to be maintained at 25%)—and the neglected neighborhoods and valleys.
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Taking his turn to speak, an outraged Jean Paul Clot, Secretary of the FSU 06, referred to the “democratic no-man’s land” to describe the absence of a Prime Minister. The FSU emphasizes its commitment to “counter any social regression,” particularly “the pension law, wage increases, and strengthening public services.”
For Celine Petit, General Secretary of the Departmental Union CGT 06, there is no doubt: “Death to the far right.” In response to the “denial of democracy” displayed by the President of the Republic, she assures: “The CGT will continue to play its role with the workers.”
Odile Clémente from The Movement for Peace explains that Peace must prevail in the face of destructive conflicts around the world: “Stop the wars, stop the violence,” she chants.
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Juliette Chesnel, an opposition elected official at the Nice city council, highlights the importance of this evening to gather strength. In the recent political upheavals, she recalls the unity of the Nice left: “We talked, we found each other.” “Ciotti and the National Front, one day we will kick them out!” she declares. Juliette Chesnel reminds us of the confidence the French placed in the NFP for the legislative elections: “Chaos is not us. Order is us! Because we respect the vote of the French who demanded an end to social injustice.” Emotional, she underscores the importance of staying united. This, regardless of the President’s decision: “Whoever the new prime minister is, we must remain united, all leftists.”
According to Olivier Salerno, NFP (LFI) candidate in the legislative elections against Éric Ciotti, E. Macron denies the vote of the French: “What does Macron do besides ignoring the election results?” Daring to propose a prime minister not from the LFI, along with Lucie Castets, he concludes: “Their problem isn’t the bad image of La France Insoumise; it’s the NFP’s program.” He adds: “Macron doesn’t want to listen, so LFI will call for his impeachment. In a Republic, only the people are sovereign. The royal veto no longer exists.”
Patrick Allemand, a member of the Socialist Party, recalls the motive uniting the NFP: “When you’re on the left, the only thing you think about is: how can we improve people’s lives?” He is convinced of the left’s alliance and reflects on history, highlighting: “In 81, 95, 98, each time there was unity, we managed to win together.”
