French unions divided over Great Debate


French union confederations have taken different positions on the so-called Great Debate, which the French president, Emanuel Macron, has launched in response to the “yellow vest” protest movement.


Macron wants this debate to be conducted through local public meetings across France and for it to concentrate on four main themes: taxes and public spending; government organisation and public services; the transition to a low carbon economy; and democracy and citizenship


Unions have also been asked to participate in the process but not all are willing to be involved, at least at national level. 


Two union confederations invited to discussions with the prime minister on 11 January — the more militant CGT and Solidaires — declined to attend. 


The CGT justified its absence in a statement that dismissed the whole process as a “smokescreen”, and argued that the debate excluded the demand “for social and fiscal justice”.


The remaining six took part, with the more moderate CFDT welcoming the initiative. However, it stressed, in the words of its general secretary Laurent Berger, that “it needs to serve some purpose”. 


For François Hommeril, general secretary of the CFE-CGC confederation, who was also at the meeting, the real problem is living standards. And while he says that it is good that the debate is taking place, he also says that “it won’t tackle the root of the problem”.