La France insoumise, the Socialist Party, EELV and other political and associative organizations, but not the Communist Party or the unions, called on Friday for a “big march against high cost of living and climate inaction” on October 16 in Paris . “This national initiative will be part of the continuity of the mobilizations undertaken by the unions and associations, including the national days of action of September 22 and 29 and the climate mobilization of September 23”, these organizations specified in a press release sent to the AFP.
The unions do not respond to the call, like the PCF
The unions said earlier this week that they would not be part of the call, contrary to what Jean-Luc Mélenchon wanted, who called for the constitution of a new “Popular Front”. The PCF, however hoped for by the rest of the New Popular Ecological and Social Union (Nupes) but which wishes to give priority to the unions, does not appear in this call. However, it may welcome other signatories in the coming weeks, the organizers told AFP.
“Prices are exploding and the end of the month are more and more difficult. But the macronist power refuses to increase salaries, freeze rents or freeze prices in the face of the high cost of living”, write these organizations, including Générations , the New Anti-Capitalist Party, Together!, the Democratic and Social Left (GDS), L’Alternative, La Voix lycéenne, Nouvelle Donne, the Independent Workers’ Party (POI) and For a Popular and Social Ecology (PEPS).
“Symbolic” initiatives on October 15
“Worse still, he plans new attacks on the pension system and unemployment insurance and organizes the destruction of public services, in particular those of education and health,” they add. Moreover, “the planet is burning and there is a lack of water”, “but the government, already condemned for environmental inaction, is pursuing an anti-ecological policy”, they denounce.
“This situation cannot last any longer. We are calling for a major march against high prices and climate inaction in Paris on Sunday October 16, preceded by symbolic initiatives on Saturday October 15”, indicate these organizations. Rising wages, blocking the prices of energy and basic necessities, immediate tax on super-profits, “massive” investment for an “ecological bifurcation” or even retirement at 60 will be part of the demands of the procession.