CGT leader Sophie Binet called on Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on Friday to “put an end to union repression” and “double standards” with farmers, while a thousand CGT activists are being prosecuted after field actions.
“This legal harassment can no longer continue”
Faced with the mobilization of farmers in recent weeks, the government has chosen “to use force with great moderation”, explaining “that we do not respond with force to those who suffer”, recalls Sophie Binet in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and consulted by AFP. However, she writes, “roads were blocked”, “public buildings burned” and “death threats” made against public officials.
“The CGT therefore calls on you for consistency: 1,000 CGT activists are the subject of legal proceedings following union actions which have not caused any material damage or physical harm,” continues Sophie Binet, calling “solemnly” the government to “put an end to this double standard” and to put an end to “this anti-union repression”. The CGT demands “that instructions be given to public prosecutors and police services” so that the same principles apply to farmers and trade unionists, and calls for a “round table” to “take stock of current procedures”.
Three members of the confederal office were summoned to court, she underlines, and this has “the consequence of reducing the complexity of employer repression”. She also cites various activists prosecuted for power cuts or simple “pallet fires” and treated as “thugs”. “This legal harassment cannot continue,” she pleads.
“By using the instruments of the fight against terrorism to criminalize social movements, sometimes calling us ‘eco-terrorists’, your government is breaking down dikes and, if unfortunately the far right comes to power , all the instruments would be in place to quell any dispute,” she concludes.