France

From Brussels to Athens: striking against the crisis

Two general strikes across Europe this week can give inspiration to the growing number fighting low pay and austerity here in Britain, says Kevin Ovenden
After fifty years, Le Pen’s party is more dangerous than ever

The worrying rise of the far right in France and elsewhere must be challenged by a broad anti-fascist movement, argues John Mullen.
Europe in crisis: opportunity for the left….and the right

As angry protests erupt across Europe, Kevin Ovenden argues that the left has to present a clear direction to the struggle or face the growth of a scapegoating right
Fin de Cinéma: Jean-Luc Godard obituary

Cinephile, writer, filmmaker, revolutionary: Martin Hall discusses the work of Jean-Luc Godard, who has died
Where is France Insoumise going?

John Mullen looks at the direction of Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the new French left after their electoral breakthrough earlier in the year
Confronting crisis: Next steps for the left - video

Danièle Obono, Eddie Dempsey, John Rees and Jeremy Corbyn on the interlocking crises we face and strategy for the left at Counterfire's Revolution! Festival
French Assembly elections: Bad blow for Macron as polarisation deepens

President Macron lost his majority in the National Assembly elections with both the radical left and far right making huge gains. John Mullen discusses the opportunities and challenges ahead for the left
Left surge sees Macron's majority under threat

In a historic breakthrough, the coalition of left parties, led by the radical left, has won the most votes in the first round of the French parliamentary elections, reports John McGrath
Can France's new left alliance make a difference?

John Mullen discusses the politics and the prospects of the New Popular Union in the upcoming parliamentary elections in France
Now the deluge: France after the presidential election

Three blocs have emerged from the political rubble. Right, far right and radical left. Kevin Ovenden argues that the radical left can play the decisive role
'Le Pen is the life insurance of the system': Interview with Danièle Obono

Ahead of the second round of the French presidential elections, Counterfire editor Shabbir Lakha spoke to Députée Danièle Obono about her thoughts on the situation, on La France Insoumise's breakthrough result and the struggles ahead
Polarisation in France: fight Le Pen and build the left

Continuing collapse of the traditional parties, polarization to left and right: John Mullen reports from France
France election: The usefulness and limits of Jean-Luc Mélenchon - long read

Ahead of the French presidential elections, John Mullen analyses the usefulness of La France Insoumise and its new version of left reformism for the working people of France
France: Mélenchon, Macron, Zemmour and the future of the left

Ahead of France's presidential elections, we repost an interview with John Mullen on the balance of forces and the prospects for the left
Obituary - Alain Krivine: 1941 - 2022

Chris Bambery remembers the life of French revolutionary, Alain Krivine
Murder in the Channel

The tragic deaths of refugees trying to get to Britain are the consequence of the government's hostile environment, argues Shabbir Lakha
France’s electoral chaos: Macron, Mélenchon and the fascists - interview

As France’s presidential election looms, John Mullen spoke toPhil Butland from The Left Berlin about the principal issues and balance of forces
The oppression of refugees: a UK-France collaboration

Jacob Bailey, a volunteer for Oxford Refugee Solidarity, calls for solidarity with migrants, reporting on the conditions in the camps in Northern France
Priti racist: Patel's war against refugees

The vile inhumanity of the Tories trying to send refugee boats back across the Channel is part of creating a scapegoat for the cuts they're inflicting, argues Yonas Makoni
France: Vaccination, Health Pass Protests, and the Left

The French left should be taking a firmer stance against vaccine scepticism, argues John Mullen
France-Israel relations: a tale of intimacy, with no end in sight

France has been a key contributor to Project Israel and its lethal, life-destroying remit, writes Susan Ram
Fighting Covid in France: tricky times for the Left?

Libertarian, far-right backed protests against government efforts to curb a wildfire fourth wave of covid are creating serious dilemmas for the left, writes Susan Ram
French elections: Why there is no champagne for Macron or Le Pen

The triumph of traditional parties of the left and right, together with record levels of abstention, offers little cheer for either projected ‘frontrunner’ in next year’s presidential poll, argues Susan Ram
A promising fight back against fascism in France

With Marine Le Pen set to do well in next year’s elections, the mobilisation of anti-fascists is an important step in pushing her back, argues John Mullen
The French state couldn’t stop solidarity with Palestine

A protester in France describes how thousands defiantly took the streets of France in solidarity with Palestine despite the initial bans
France: tens of thousands rally for Palestine on Nakba Day

Defying bans and military-style policing, solidarity with Palestine is building across the country, reports Susan Ram
How dangerous is Marine Le Pen?

John Mullen assesses the prospect of electoral success for Marine Le Pen and argues that she must be countered by national anti-fascist initiatives from the left
Lessons from the Yellow Vests: Police violence, protest and the state

The experiences of the Gilets jaunes have much to tell us about the capitalist state’s response to mass protest, writes Susan Ram
To the barricades! The life of Louis Auguste Blanqui

To his great credit Louis Auguste Blanqui was jailed by every regime that ruled France between 1815 and 1880. John Westmoreland assesses his legacy
The Paris Commune: when workers ran a city

Ahead of the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, John Westmoreland looks at the first working-class government and why it's an important historical milestone
From ‘bling-bling’ to Sing Sing: the calamitous fall of Nicolas Sarkozy

The conviction of a former president on corruption charges is a major humiliation for the French State, writes Susan Ram
Emmanuel Macron’s Covid vaccine blues

France’s beleaguered regime is undergoing a fresh battering, this time for the snail-paced roll-out of its Covid vaccination programme, writes Susan Ram
The perfect storm: Covid and Brexit merge in Kent - CounterBlast

Terina Hine looks at the growing crisis around sky-rocketing Covid transmissions and the miles of backed up lorries on the M20 ahead of the Brexit deadline
France rises against the security law: a growing convergence of struggles

Nationwide protests against Macron’s ‘comprehensive security’ law have forced a government retreat while reinforcing links between trade unions and social movements, writes Susan Ram
‘Islamo-leftism’: Macron ramps up attacks on Muslims and the left in France

In France, ‘Islamo-gauchisme’ is the watchword of a widening attack on basic freedoms, targeting anti-racists and the left writes Susan Ram
French activists and journalists say ‘no’ to Macron’s ‘gag law’

In Paris, thousands take to the streets to protest against Macron’s new “comprehensive security” law, reports Susan Ram
Who was Mary Wollstonecraft?

Following the recent controversy around a new statue commemorating Mary Wollstonecraft, Jaqueline Mulhallen looks at the life and times of this radical figure
France: build the movement against Islamophobia

Following on from the recent murder of a French schoolteacher and the exploitation of the event by Islamophobic forces, we repost Left Berlin’s interview with Paris activist John Mullen
Republic of Islamophobia: weaponising the tragedy in France for political ends

The horrific killing of a schoolteacher is being used as an opportunity for the state to renew a racist offensive against French Muslims, argues Susan Ram
'Exhausted, angry and worried sick!': French health workers protest

French health and social care workers stage mass protests for better staffing, pay and conditions as a second wave of Covid-19 engulfs the country, writes Susan Ram
Macron’s war on ‘Islamic separatism’

As a second wave of Covid-19 powers through France, a beleaguered president bent on re-election invokes a familiar Islamophobic trope, says Susan Ram
Covid-19 and the struggle in France

Protests and strikes are on the rise across France against deteriorating working conditions, job losses and Macron’s woeful response to the Covid crisis, writes Susan Ram
Danièle Obono interview: racism, the movement and the virus in France

Susan Ram interviews Danièle Obono, an MP with La France Insoumise on the anti-racist movement after she was racially attacked by a French magazine
Paris protest supports Black MP against racist magazine

As demonstrators show solidarity with demonised Black MP Danièle Obono, the left in France should continue to step up the fight against racism, argues John Mullen
Macron in Beirut: stagecraft in the service of imperialism

Macron’s posturing as Lebanon’s saviour is deeply cynical, given the country’s colonial past and experience of neoliberal ‘reform’, argues Susan Ram
Macron switches prime minister as his Thatcherite plan flounders

As pressure from a number of fronts increases, Macron's position weakens, argues John Mullen
Même police, memo racisme! (Same police, same racism!)

In Paris and across France, thousands of protestors are defying bans to express their outrage at police racism and violence, reports Susan Ram
France: Fear, mistrust and anger as lockdown is lifted

Macron’s corruption-steeped failure to protect citizens while exhorting them back to work lies at the root of nationwide scepticism and profound anxiety, argues Susan Ram
Coronavirus: a test for Europe

The pandemic is proving to be a test for European solidarity and is adding strain to an already fragile EU, argues Alan McGuire from Madrid
Lockdown reading on revolution: some novels set in times of great upheaval

Lindsey German's pick of novels set in revolutionary times
Covid-19, the state and civil liberties: the case of France

In France Macron is rushing through legislation to give enforcement squads enhanced powers to control individual behaviour, reports Susan Ram
Macron and the shockwaves

There’s everything to fight for as Covid-19 redraws the lines of class war in modern France, observes John Mullen
France: Macron stokes up Islamophobia to deflect from the movement to defend pensions

Strikes and elections are redrawing the political landscape, argues John Mullen
Defining the battle lines: France in the era of Macron

Three years on from Macron's election, Susan Ram looks back at the rise of the 'extreme centre' in France
Fighting back in France

Hundreds of thousands are taking to the streets to combat Macron’s war on the welfare state, writes Susan Ram
After a bruising election... What next for the left? - Counterfire Freesheet January 2020

Labour leadership contest, general strike in France, growing protest movement in India, why socialists oppose imperialism, a year of climate strikes and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet
What next for the French strikers?

The mass movement in France is impressive and has made significant gains but the battle against Macron's Thatcherite reforms needs a second wind, reports John Mullen
Macron makes more concessions to strikers but the battle continues

The cracks in Macron's neoliberal government are beginning to show and the strikes are continuing to broaden, reports John Mullen
Macron had a bad month, but what will it take to break his pensions bill?

An update from Paris on the ongoing protests and strike action against Macron's pension reform bill by John Mullen
All power to French workers - report from Paris

An organised movement of French workers unheard of in decades could hold Macron's fractured neoliberal outfit to ransom, reports John Mullen
France on strike: “We’re fighting Macron and his world!”

Across France, hundreds of thousands strike work and take to the streets to denounce neoliberal pension ‘reforms’, writes Susan Ram
Antisemitism, politics, and voting Tory - election briefing 6 December

Let’s stop apologising for having done nothing wrong, insists Lindsey German
France strikes against Macron's neoliberal war on pensions

As mass strikes begin across France in response to Macron's attack on pensions, John Mullen looks at what's at stake
At last a large-scale fightback against Islamophobia in France?

John Mullen reports from Paris on a major breakthrough for Muslims fighting oppression in France
The Storming of the Panthéon!

Through their occupation of an iconic Paris monument, the Gilets Noirs have placed before the world the atrocious situation of France’s vast hidden ranks of undocumented workers, writes Susan Ram
A Walk Through Paris - book review

Éric Hazan’s A Walk Through Paris takes the reader on an engaging and evocative journey through the city’s radical and literary history, finds Katherine Connelly
Ten things they don't tell you about D-Day

As the commemorations of the 75 year anniversary of D-Day take place, Lindsey German reminds us of the truth about the end of the Second World War
The Yellow Vests at three months: achievements and prospects

Three months on from its birth, the Yellow Vest movement continues to build support and make gains, argues Susan Ram
The Yellow Vests movement and its implications - Counterfire Media Podcast

Tom Lock Griffiths talks to Susan Ram, an activist based in France, about the Gilet Jaunes movement in France, its different elements, key demands and the implications for the British left in this episode of Counterfire Media's Podcast
Cameroon: neo-colonised before independence

Explo Nani-Kofi gives a brief history of how British and French colonialism defined Cameroon's power structures and maintains its influence in a rigged political system
Yellow Vests join unions to agitate for a general strike in France

Repudiating Macron’s ‘great national debate’, Yellow Vests join hands with trade unions and the radical left to build for a general strike, reports Susan Ram
The meaning of the Yellow Vests

Out on the streets of France, hard-hit working people are furiously repudiating austerity, sham democracy, and the neoliberal programme of President Emmanuel Macron, reports Susan Ram
There's no refugee crisis in Britain, only a hostile environment and racist scapegoating

The current Tory-manufactured “refugee crisis” is part of the same hostile environment that this government has created for its own citizens, argues Cathy Augustine
France 2019: Macron, Yellow Vests and class struggle

Saturday saw the Gilets Jaunes revolt continue on a grand scale, as the President scrambles to repress the movement and cajole the public. John Mullen reports from Paris
Europe in turmoil: what to expect in 2019

Chris Bambery explores European political economy and what developments of the last twelve months can lead us to expect about the year ahead
France's streets flooded with protest three days before Christmas

The Yellow Vests outwitted Macron's repressive state forces to stage a surprise mobilisation in Paris and storm towns and roundabouts across France, reports Susan Ram
Why the Yellow Vests revolt will haunt Macron's Christmas

The movement has put poverty among workers at the centre of public debate and remains defiant amidst the slapdash handouts of an ailing neoliberal President, reports John Mullen
Student protests in France and Albania: could Britain be next?

Dragan Plavšić looks at spreading student protest and where it could go next
Macron must go: Yellow Vests Act V

The movement brought anger to the streets again across France in defiance of state efforts to divide and disrupt it this week, reports Susan Ram
French high school students rise against Macron in 'Black Tuesday' protests

Opposing Macron's neoliberal education reforms and police repression, tens of thousands of students are out on strike, vowing to join up the struggles, reports Jack Sherwood
France: stay on the streets until Macron falls

Danièle Obono, a deputy of La France Insoumise, speaks to Feyzi Ismail about the Yellow Vest movement, the police and the origins of Macron's crisis
France: unsubmissive and on the streets

Feyzi Ismail reports from Paris, where the Gilets Jaunes have been demonstrating for the fourth weekend consecutively, and with more protests planned
Yellow Vests, Act Four: where is France going?

Saturday's huge Gilets Jaunes mobilisation across France defied Macron's Project Fear, as high school students facing state repression join a movement that continues to rise. John Mullen reports from Paris
La France Insoumise: tradition and change on the French Left

As tensions rise in Paris, John Mullen gives a cool-headed tour of the French Left
Revolt in France: could Macron be under threat?

Yellow Vests mass protests enjoyed a third weekend of militant action across France, with trades unionists and other groups supporting. John Mullen reports from Paris
Yellow Jackets: a high-vis uprising sweeps France

At roadblocks, barricades and on the march, the Gilets Jaunes embody nationwide fury towards Project Macron, reports Susan Ram
A state of disunion: Europe after Brexit

Liberals lament Britain leaving the European Union, but the politics of the bloc is increasingly right wing and nasty, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Paris demonstration: 'Trump means war'

The November 11 anti-Trump mobilisation in Paris is a real advance for the anti-war movement in France, reports Susan Ram
France in 1968: myths, realities and unanswered questions

50 years on from the 1968 crisis, John Mullen gives an overview of events in France, the debates historians are having and the lessons today's anticapitalists should take
Project Macron in crisis

From the Benalla affair to the Hulot resignation and plunging poll ratings, there's no end in sight for the troubles of the French President, writes Susan Ram
Aftermath: Art in the wake of World War One - review

Modern art was a way of actively willing war towards an end says Alistair Cartwright in his review of the Aftermath exhibition at the Tate
Marx200: the Paris Commune and the Marx family

The Paris Commune only lasted from 28 March to 28 May 1871 but it inspired Karl Marx and continues to inspire and inform socialists today argues Judy Cox
May ‘68: France on the cusp of revolution

Susan Ram looks back at the tumultuous events of May 1968, where students and workers united against the establishment, and asks what we can take from them today
The first twelve months of Project Macron: a provisional audit

One year on from Macron taking office, Susan Ram analyses what he stands for and what he's achieved
After Windrush: this racist government must go - Counterfire Freesheet May 2018

Windrush, May 68, Palestine, UCU strike, Marx and more - Counterfire freesheet edition 025, May 2018
50 years after 1968: Storms raging in Macron’s France

Neither Macron and the bosses, nor France's working class have made a decisive breakthrough in recent weeks. But the movement is solid and imaginative, writes John Mullen in Paris
Enough is enough: Paris takes to the streets

Paris mobilises one year on from Macron's election, and fifty years on from May '68, reports John Mullen
Republic of Islamophobia - book review

Republic of Islamophobiaeffectively analyses the nature and rise of the vindictive Islamophobia that has come to grip French politics and society, finds Susan Ram
France Insoumise: What is it and where is it going?

As a massive wave of strikes continues in France, what forces might propose a mass political alternative to Macron? John Mullen discusses the party being led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Emmanuel Macron: Neoliberalism by the book

Despite a fresh-faced exterior, Emmanuel Macron is offering nothing beyond more of the same political privilege for the wealthy, argues Josh Newman
Is France heading for another May '68?

From student dissent to militant strikes and a radical alternative, the ingredients are there for mass rebellion, writes John Mullen
France also: a cynical attempt to divide anti-racism in the service of the government right

Unite the left and anti-racist movements in a fight back against cynical right-wing disruption, argues Kevin Ovenden
France, March 22nd: the mobilisation of the public sector begins

Across France, hundreds of thousands of people, spearheaded by combative rail workers, mobilise against Macron’s neoliberal assault on the public sector
Paris and London: A Tale of Two Radical Cities

Chris Bambery on the history of two great capital cities, and the architecture of power.
'Making France great again': Macron to bring back compulsory military service

Macron is at one with Trump in his quest for a return to national ‘greatness’ with his call for compulsory military service argues Susan Ram
The EU has derailed left governments at least three times - don’t let Corbyn be next.

The Labour right is now focusing on the European Union to attack Corbyn - Chris Nineham shows why this is a dangerous moment
Macron: Europe's new Blair

Things have got so bad - with Brexit and the Tories - that the establishment long for the reincarnation of another unblemished Blair argues Brian Heron
Extreme Podiatry: the situation for refugees in Calais and Dunkirk

The Jungle camp may have been demolished a year ago but refugees are still arriving in Calais and Dunkirk and suffering in intolerable conditions reports David Bailey
Crisis in France: the view from the left

As her organisation mobilised a huge anti-government demonstration, deputy Danièle Obono spoke to Chris Nineham about Macron's meltdown, the far right's problems, and the movement
France: a combative start to the anti-Macron fight-back

Half a million ‘layabouts, cynics and extremists’ take to the streets to protest Macron’s assault on the labour laws
Can Macron the Thatcherite be beaten?

The French president is hoping to push through a series of Thatcherite reforms, but the workers are not going to lie down and take it, writes John Mullen
France: All out on September 12!

Workers and political activists prepare to battle Macron’s ‘XXL’ assault on French labour laws, reports Susan Ram
The impending crisis for Macron

With his ratings in freefall, the neoliberal standard-bearer unveils his labour law ‘reforms’ against a swelling tide of anger
Striking while the iron is hot is the only way to win back some of what’s been taken from working people - weekly briefing

As wages continue to fall and workers rights are attacked further, McDonald's and other workers have begun to strike. Lindsey German explains why they are so important.
Macron and Netanyahu: the shadow of Zionism

Macron’s readiness to equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism and endow it with the full force of French state power shows his true colours, argues Susan Ram
Trump and Macron: tangoing in Paris

Macron’s lovefest with Trump rests on a raft of converging policies, writes Susan Ram
First Diane Abbott, now Danièle Obono: the media lynching of black women on the radical Left

Like Diane Abbott, French left-wing politician Danièle Obono feels the sexism and racism of the right-wing establishment, writes Susan Ram
In France, the election boycott intensifies: Macron’s ‘landslide victory’ reveals its feet of clay

The majority of the French electorate did not vote in the second round of France's legislative elections. Susan Ram analyses the implications
The election of the French parliament: a huge shake-up, but polarisation continues

The victory of "the centre" is only temporary, argues John Mullen
Meanwhile in France, voters stayed away: A tale of two elections

Is this really a surge in support for centrist politics?
Armed force on the streets: the French experience

France’s state of emergency has suspended civil liberties while failing to stop the menace of terrorism
Mélenchon's campaign should inspire us here in Britain

Jean-Luc Mélenchon's dynamic presidential campaign is proof that the Left can make serious gains
France: the crisis continues - part 2

The meteoric rise of Jean-Luc Mélenchon is all the more dramatic given the historical context of the French Left, explains Susan Ram
France: the crisis continues - part 1

While seeking to style himself as outside traditional politics, Emmanuel Macron in fact constitutes its newest incarnation, writes Susan Ram
Vote Labour and prepare to fight - Counterfire freesheet May 2017

The general election, French politics and more - Counterfire freesheet edition 018, May 2017
Compare and contrast: what the French elections can tell us about Britain

The rise of Corbyn and Mélenchon have similar roots, but the Labour leader has to contend with problems that the French left does not have
France at the crossroads: how to take down Le Pen

Stathis Kouvelakis, a member of the Greek Popular Unity party and a supporter of La France Insoumise, speaks to Feyzi Ismail on Macron’s victory, the crisis in French society and the possibilities for the left
French election tells of a divided France

Macron beat Le Pen to the presidency, but there is a parliamentary election still to come
Has Macron turned the tide against fascism?

Is a Macron presidency the beginning of the end for fascism and Le Pen? Brian Heron investigates
Macron’s victory, and why the earthquake will continue

Although most people are relieved by the election result, we are going to have to fight the new president’s policies
High school students across France mobilise to reject the pseudo-choice between Macron and Le Pen

Just before the final round of France’s presidential election, lycéens (high school students) are continuing to provide the sharpest and most combative opposition to the two contenders
A political earthquake in France and the fight against Le Pen

With less than a week to go until the second round of the French presidential elections, John Mullen takes a look at where we are now
May Day in Gascony: ‘All for one and one for all’ in the fight against fascism

Hundreds take to the streets on May Day against fascism and Le Pen, Susan Ram reports from south-west France.
Bring it on! - Counterfire freesheet April 2017

General election, Trump and the politics of music - Counterfire freesheet edition 017, April 2017
Anti-capitalists, Melenchon and 7.7 million voters of the left

The emboldened French left must seize the moment, writes Kevin Ovenden
The French presidential elections: fascism and how to fight it

John Mullen on why the Left must move forward on building a broadly-based, permanent, national, mass campaigning organization against fascism
French elections: Le Pen, Macron and the radical left

The first round results for the French presidential election confirm the deep political crisis in the country, which will no doubt deepen at the legislative elections in June
It’s the Left that can beat Le Pen and fascism, not Macron

With the fascist Le Pen winning a place in the the second round of the French election, Cameron Panting takes a look at how the Left should respond
French elections: the banker, the fascist...or the streets?

After the anti-capitalist left's unprecedented achievement in the first round, attention will now focus on Mélenchon’s engagement with the movement, writes Susan Ram
The left surge in France: a breakthrough in the making?

On the eve of the presidential election in France, Feyzi Ismail talks to Danièle Obono, a leading figure in the campaign of left-wing hopeful Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Excitement in the French elections: the meaning of Jean-Luc Mélenchon

The leftwinger's inspiring campaign raises crucial questions about the potential and limits of state action in favour of the working class, writes John Mullen
French elections: enter Jean-Luc Mélenchon

The spin of the two-horse race conceals the anti-capitalist hopeful, notes Susan Ram
Marine Le Pen: the reality of the French fascist threat

Mainstream alarmism cannot distract us from the actual dangers of the Nazi Front National, writes John Mullen
Towards a politics of radical deglobalisation

The soft left’s kowtowing to phony internationalism has to stop now, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
French Elections 2017: Islamophobia, austerity and the left

A thorough analysis by John Mullen of the role of austerity and Islamophobia in the upcoming French elections and what the prospects for a radical left alternative are.
BBC: Providing a platform for fascism

On Remembrance Sunday, Andrew Marr and the BBC decided to air an interview with Marine Le Pen reports Shabbir Lakha
Fire, turmoil, and abandonment in Calais

French authorities and the British Home Office have washed their hands of remaining refugees in Calais, explains Shabbir Lakha
Burkini ban: the Islamophobia that lies beneath the beach secularism

Is France's left doing enough to challenge the new wave of state Islamophobia, asks John Mullen
Burkini ban: taking the anger back to the French state

Friday night’s central London emergency protest shows how Islamophobia must be countered, reports Katherine Connelly
Burkini ban: we must oppose this blatant Islamophobia

As France imposes this draconian ban, Lindsey German states why we must say no - clearly and unequivocally
Class struggle in France: a temporary stalemate

The government has been stunned by the strength of the strikes and protests, but what now for the movement? John Mullen investigates
A History of the Barricade

The barricade is the iconic tactic of historic class struggles, and its history is engagingly explored in Hazan’s history, finds William Booth
France and the fight against neoliberalism - podcast

Danielle Obono speaks about the social movements in France and the current wave of protests and strikes around the country
A beacon of hope in dark times

Shabbir Lakha reports on the Convoy to Calais, which the French police shamefully turned back at the border
Upsurge in France: a revolt against the European economic order

France's working class is taking a sledgehammer to Hollande's neoliberal reforms - an echo of the European economic machine, writes Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
France: savage labour law vs strikes and blockades

Class struggle is back in France, with some surprising new initiatives, reports Paris-based activist John Mullen
France in the streets: against the government and the EU

If you want to understand what the EU is, then look at its intervention today – teargas on the streets of French cities, argues Kevin Ovenden
France: protest is changing the rules

France has been convulsed by massive protests opposing the government's plan to scrap the 35-hour week. We reproduce here a speech by economist Frédéric Lordon at the Paris rally on 31 March
Le Pen's defeat offers only cold comfort

Defeat without having to face a decent opposition may be more useful than success for the continued growth of Le Pen's Front National, argues Alistair Stephens
Marine Le Pen: the demon child of war and austerity

Not since the 1930s has a far right, indeed a fascist party done so well in an election in Western Europe, writes Alastair Stephens
Paris attacks: fight the racist backlash

In the wake of the atrocities in the French capital, building an anti-war movement is more necessary than ever, writes Kevin Ovenden
Who is Charlie?

Emmanuel Todd’s Who is Charlie? reveals connections between Islamophobia and moves to the right in France, finds Lindsey German
Liberté, Égalité, Vélocité

Mark Perryman makes the case for a two-wheeled revolution
A People’s History of the French Revolution

Eric Hazan’s A People’s History of the French Revolution is an attempt to provide a new narrative, but fails to show the importance of the revolution, argues William Alderson
Letter to Le Monde: We say no to the 'Sacred Union'

A call by public figures in France to reject pressures for 'unity' with world leaders guilty of violence and repression
Charlie Hebdo: 5 problems with the Media picture

Everyone agrees the Muslim community must make amends for Charlie Hebdo, right? Well, no, not really. Here’s five facts the media tends to overlook.
Danièle Obono: the French left after the Charlie Hebdo attacks

Danièle Obono, a leading member of the French Left, speaks about the impact of the recent attacks and the dangers of Islamophobia
The Government is blaming Muslims and attacking civil liberties

Opposition to war, Islamophobia and attacks on civil liberties are all connected, says Lindsey German, and we have to campaign against all three
Je suis Cantona

Next Saturday is the 20th anniversary of Eric’s Selhurst Park Kung Fu kick assault on a supporter. Philosophy Football'sMark Perryman celebrates a night when football took sides
15 recommended articles on the aftermath of the Paris attacks

Alex Snowdon compiles a selection of commentary and analysis about the contentious issues arising from the recent attacks in Paris
'Charlie Hebdo, not racist? If you say so…' Former employee lambasts magazine's racist trajectory

Written by Olivier Cyran and originally published in December 2013 as 'Charlie Hebdo, not racist? If you say so…' this article attacks the magazine's 'crude racism'. Translated by Daphne Lawless
Charlie Hebdo murders: what's missing from the media narrative?

If you read the western media reporting on the Paris attack, says Lindsey German, it is as if the wars waged by the western powers in Muslim countries aren't happening
The limits of liberalism

Liberal responses to the Paris killings are fuelling a cycle from which both the right and the terrorists will gain, argues John Rees
Twelve illuminating contributions to debate in wake of Paris killings

Twelve articles to read if you want thoughtful reflection, context and a refreshing alternative to banal or racist responses to the killings in Paris this week
Charlie Hebdo tragedy: putting free speech in context

This wasn’t an attack on humour or the Western concept of freedom but an outrage designed to produce a reaction of division and hatred - an outcome that we should do everything we can to resist
Paris massacre: backlash and blowback

The latest attack will lead to a greater backlash and greater levels of Islamophobia. But it is not Muslims who are the problem but the foreign policies that have helped create terrorism
An Impatient Life: A Memoir

Daniel Bensaïd’s memoir of a life as a socialist in France provides an engaging account of a revolutionary life during the 1960s and after, finds William Booth
A Marxist History of the World part 99: 1968 - the long sleep ends

The long sleep of the post-war period was brought to an end in 1968, as revolts erupted across the developed world, writes Neil Faulkner
Tariq Ramadan: what makes the French left's approach to Islam different?

Tariq Ramadan and John Rees discuss the attitude of the French left to islam

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France

France

Two general strikes across Europe this week can give inspiration to the growing number fighting low pay and austerity here in Britain, says Kevin Ovenden

The worrying rise of the far right in France and elsewhere must be challenged by a broad anti-fascist movement, argues John Mullen.

As angry protests erupt across Europe, Kevin Ovenden argues that the left has to present a clear direction to the struggle or face the growth of a scapegoating right

Cinephile, writer, filmmaker, revolutionary: Martin Hall discusses the work of Jean-Luc Godard, who has died

John Mullen looks at the direction of Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the new French left after their electoral breakthrough earlier in the year

Danièle Obono, Eddie Dempsey, John Rees and Jeremy Corbyn on the interlocking crises we face and strategy for the left at Counterfire's Revolution! Festival

President Macron lost his majority in the National Assembly elections with both the radical left and far right making huge gains. John Mullen discusses the opportunities and challenges ahead for the left

In a historic breakthrough, the coalition of left parties, led by the radical left, has won the most votes in the first round of the French parliamentary elections, reports John McGrath

John Mullen discusses the politics and the prospects of the New Popular Union in the upcoming parliamentary elections in France

Three blocs have emerged from the political rubble. Right, far right and radical left. Kevin Ovenden argues that the radical left can play the decisive role

Ahead of the second round of the French presidential elections, Counterfire editor Shabbir Lakha spoke to Députée Danièle Obono about her thoughts on the situation, on La France Insoumise's breakthrough result and the struggles ahead

Continuing collapse of the traditional parties, polarization to left and right: John Mullen reports from France

Ahead of the French presidential elections, John Mullen analyses the usefulness of La France Insoumise and its new version of left reformism for the working people of France

Ahead of France's presidential elections, we repost an interview with John Mullen on the balance of forces and the prospects for the left

Chris Bambery remembers the life of French revolutionary, Alain Krivine

The tragic deaths of refugees trying to get to Britain are the consequence of the government's hostile environment, argues Shabbir Lakha

As France’s presidential election looms, John Mullen spoke toPhil Butland from The Left Berlin about the principal issues and balance of forces

Jacob Bailey, a volunteer for Oxford Refugee Solidarity, calls for solidarity with migrants, reporting on the conditions in the camps in Northern France

The vile inhumanity of the Tories trying to send refugee boats back across the Channel is part of creating a scapegoat for the cuts they're inflicting, argues Yonas Makoni

The French left should be taking a firmer stance against vaccine scepticism, argues John Mullen

France has been a key contributor to Project Israel and its lethal, life-destroying remit, writes Susan Ram

Libertarian, far-right backed protests against government efforts to curb a wildfire fourth wave of covid are creating serious dilemmas for the left, writes Susan Ram

The triumph of traditional parties of the left and right, together with record levels of abstention, offers little cheer for either projected ‘frontrunner’ in next year’s presidential poll, argues Susan Ram

With Marine Le Pen set to do well in next year’s elections, the mobilisation of anti-fascists is an important step in pushing her back, argues John Mullen

A protester in France describes how thousands defiantly took the streets of France in solidarity with Palestine despite the initial bans

Defying bans and military-style policing, solidarity with Palestine is building across the country, reports Susan Ram

John Mullen assesses the prospect of electoral success for Marine Le Pen and argues that she must be countered by national anti-fascist initiatives from the left

The experiences of the Gilets jaunes have much to tell us about the capitalist state’s response to mass protest, writes Susan Ram

To his great credit Louis Auguste Blanqui was jailed by every regime that ruled France between 1815 and 1880. John Westmoreland assesses his legacy

Ahead of the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, John Westmoreland looks at the first working-class government and why it's an important historical milestone

The conviction of a former president on corruption charges is a major humiliation for the French State, writes Susan Ram

France’s beleaguered regime is undergoing a fresh battering, this time for the snail-paced roll-out of its Covid vaccination programme, writes Susan Ram

Terina Hine looks at the growing crisis around sky-rocketing Covid transmissions and the miles of backed up lorries on the M20 ahead of the Brexit deadline

Nationwide protests against Macron’s ‘comprehensive security’ law have forced a government retreat while reinforcing links between trade unions and social movements, writes Susan Ram

In France, ‘Islamo-gauchisme’ is the watchword of a widening attack on basic freedoms, targeting anti-racists and the left writes Susan Ram

In Paris, thousands take to the streets to protest against Macron’s new “comprehensive security” law, reports Susan Ram

Following the recent controversy around a new statue commemorating Mary Wollstonecraft, Jaqueline Mulhallen looks at the life and times of this radical figure

Following on from the recent murder of a French schoolteacher and the exploitation of the event by Islamophobic forces, we repost Left Berlin’s interview with Paris activist John Mullen

The horrific killing of a schoolteacher is being used as an opportunity for the state to renew a racist offensive against French Muslims, argues Susan Ram

French health and social care workers stage mass protests for better staffing, pay and conditions as a second wave of Covid-19 engulfs the country, writes Susan Ram

As a second wave of Covid-19 powers through France, a beleaguered president bent on re-election invokes a familiar Islamophobic trope, says Susan Ram

Protests and strikes are on the rise across France against deteriorating working conditions, job losses and Macron’s woeful response to the Covid crisis, writes Susan Ram

Susan Ram interviews Danièle Obono, an MP with La France Insoumise on the anti-racist movement after she was racially attacked by a French magazine

As demonstrators show solidarity with demonised Black MP Danièle Obono, the left in France should continue to step up the fight against racism, argues John Mullen

Macron’s posturing as Lebanon’s saviour is deeply cynical, given the country’s colonial past and experience of neoliberal ‘reform’, argues Susan Ram

As pressure from a number of fronts increases, Macron's position weakens, argues John Mullen

In Paris and across France, thousands of protestors are defying bans to express their outrage at police racism and violence, reports Susan Ram

Macron’s corruption-steeped failure to protect citizens while exhorting them back to work lies at the root of nationwide scepticism and profound anxiety, argues Susan Ram

The pandemic is proving to be a test for European solidarity and is adding strain to an already fragile EU, argues Alan McGuire from Madrid

Lindsey German's pick of novels set in revolutionary times

In France Macron is rushing through legislation to give enforcement squads enhanced powers to control individual behaviour, reports Susan Ram

There’s everything to fight for as Covid-19 redraws the lines of class war in modern France, observes John Mullen

Strikes and elections are redrawing the political landscape, argues John Mullen

Three years on from Macron's election, Susan Ram looks back at the rise of the 'extreme centre' in France

Hundreds of thousands are taking to the streets to combat Macron’s war on the welfare state, writes Susan Ram

Labour leadership contest, general strike in France, growing protest movement in India, why socialists oppose imperialism, a year of climate strikes and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet

The mass movement in France is impressive and has made significant gains but the battle against Macron's Thatcherite reforms needs a second wind, reports John Mullen

The cracks in Macron's neoliberal government are beginning to show and the strikes are continuing to broaden, reports John Mullen

An update from Paris on the ongoing protests and strike action against Macron's pension reform bill by John Mullen

An organised movement of French workers unheard of in decades could hold Macron's fractured neoliberal outfit to ransom, reports John Mullen

Across France, hundreds of thousands strike work and take to the streets to denounce neoliberal pension ‘reforms’, writes Susan Ram

Let’s stop apologising for having done nothing wrong, insists Lindsey German

As mass strikes begin across France in response to Macron's attack on pensions, John Mullen looks at what's at stake

John Mullen reports from Paris on a major breakthrough for Muslims fighting oppression in France

Through their occupation of an iconic Paris monument, the Gilets Noirs have placed before the world the atrocious situation of France’s vast hidden ranks of undocumented workers, writes Susan Ram

Éric Hazan’s A Walk Through Paris takes the reader on an engaging and evocative journey through the city’s radical and literary history, finds Katherine Connelly

As the commemorations of the 75 year anniversary of D-Day take place, Lindsey German reminds us of the truth about the end of the Second World War

Three months on from its birth, the Yellow Vest movement continues to build support and make gains, argues Susan Ram

Tom Lock Griffiths talks to Susan Ram, an activist based in France, about the Gilet Jaunes movement in France, its different elements, key demands and the implications for the British left in this episode of Counterfire Media's Podcast

Explo Nani-Kofi gives a brief history of how British and French colonialism defined Cameroon's power structures and maintains its influence in a rigged political system

Repudiating Macron’s ‘great national debate’, Yellow Vests join hands with trade unions and the radical left to build for a general strike, reports Susan Ram

Out on the streets of France, hard-hit working people are furiously repudiating austerity, sham democracy, and the neoliberal programme of President Emmanuel Macron, reports Susan Ram

The current Tory-manufactured “refugee crisis” is part of the same hostile environment that this government has created for its own citizens, argues Cathy Augustine