"Let Them Eat Brioche" The Art of French Resistance
Why We Need To Be More Like The French: A Look into 10 Impactful French Protest Movements and Their Successful Outcomes.
As our world struggles to deal with numerous challenges, ranging from the impending danger of climate change to the widening income inequality that afflicts so many societies, it is becoming increasingly evident that the existing systems are not working for everyone. During these moments of crisis, we can learn a great deal from the French people, who have long exemplified the power of collective action and protest in bringing about change.
What exactly is the secret of their success? Is it their passion for drinking wine and having lively intellectual debates, or perhaps the je ne sais quoi that comes with being French? While these factors may contribute, it is more likely that their success is due to a range of commendable factors, such as their unwavering sense of solidarity. French protesters understand that by uniting with a shared sense of purpose and values, they can achieve far more than any individual could alone.
Another crucial factor is the strength and resilience of France's labour unions. These groups are well-organized and powerful and have played a critical role in organizing some of the most successful protests in French history. They understand that collective action is essential for achieving success and are not afraid to take to the streets to make their voices heard.
Moreover, the French are well-educated and intellectually curious people who value critical thinking and debate. This culture of intellectualism has resulted in a lively public discourse, where a broad range of ideas and perspectives can be shared and debated openly.
It is also essential to note the significance of persistence when it comes to French protests. French protesters have repeatedly demonstrated that change does not come easily or quickly and that it often necessitates sustained effort and strategic planning. However, the rewards of this perseverance can be enormous.
Finally, the French have a deep and abiding tradition of civil disobedience. From the French Revolution to contemporary protests against government policies, French citizens have always been willing to take to the streets and challenge those in power when they feel their rights are being violated. This willingness to engage in civil disobedience is a powerful tool that has enabled French protesters to effect change time and time again.
Current Protests and Strikes
The current protests in France are against the government's proposed pension reform plan. Unions are calling for a nationwide strike, which has disrupted train services, shut schools, and halted fuel deliveries. The strike is the sixth against the reform this year, with around 1.28 million people taking to the streets in demonstrations across the country. The unions are seeking to force a government retreat on the deeply unpopular policy, which would raise the pension age by two years to 64. The strikes are planned to go on for days, particularly in some sectors, including oil refineries. The government claims that 10,000 more protesters turned out nationwide than the previous peak of 1.27 million on 31 January.
Below is a list of ten of the most successful protests in France, listed chronologically, along with the actions taken by participants and the social and legislative outcomes that were achieved:
1. The French Revolution
Millions of people took to the streets to demand political change and the establishment of a republic, with some estimates suggesting up to 10% of the population was involved. it is difficult to estimate the exact number of participants, but the revolution involved widespread protests, riots, and uprisings across France. The actions of the protestors included seizing control of the Bastille prison, storming the Tuileries Palace, and executing King Louis XVI.
Establishment of a republic and the end of the Ancien Régime
Abolition of feudalism and the privileges of the nobility
Adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
2. The May 1968 protests:
These protests involved around 10 million workers and students across France, with some of the largest protests taking place in Paris. The actions of the protestors included occupying universities, factories, and streets, as well as clashes with police and the burning of cars and buildings.
Wage increases and better working conditions were negotiated for workers, particularly in the education sector.
The government passed reforms aimed at improving access to higher education, including the creation of new universities and the removal of some restrictions on student enrolment.
Censorship laws were loosened and there was greater social and cultural openness.
The protests contributed to the rise of countercultural movements and the emergence of new forms of artistic expression.
The Confederation Generale du Travail - Force Ouvriere (CGT-FO), a new labor union, was created in the wake of the protests.
3. 1972 French women's liberation demonstration:
the exact number of participants is unknown, but it was one of the largest feminist demonstrations in French history. The actions of the protestors included marching through the streets of Paris and demanding legal abortion and equal pay for women.
Legalization of abortion in France in 1975.
Adoption of the "Veil Law" in 1975, which allowed women to have access to abortion.
Introduction of equal pay for equal work in 1972 and maternity leave in 1982.
Greater awareness of gender equality and the need for further progress.
4. The 1984 March for Equality and Against Racism:
Involved an estimated 100,000 protestors in Paris. The actions of the protestors included marching through the streets and demanding an end to racism and discrimination in French society.
The protest increased awareness of racism in French society and paved the way for further anti-discrimination efforts.
The French government adopted legislation to combat racism and discrimination, including the creation of the High Authority to Fight Discrimination and Promote Equality (HALDE).
The protest also led to the establishment of the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH), which works to promote and protect human rights in France.
5. 1995 strikes and protests against pension reforms:
It involved 3 million workers across France, with some of the largest protests taking place in Paris. The actions of the protestors included strikes, blockades of roads and railways, and protests in the streets.
The government withdrew the proposed pension reform, which would have increased the retirement age and reduced benefits.
Increased recognition of the power of organized labour and collective action in defending workers' rights.
Solidarity among different sectors of French society, including workers, students, and teachers, in the fight against neoliberal policies.
Greater public awareness of the importance of maintaining social protections for workers and retirees.
6. The 2006 CPE protests:
Around 1 million students and workers across France, with some of the largest protests taking place in Paris. The actions of the protestors included occupying universities and streets, as well as clashes with police and the burning of cars and buildings.
The government withdrew the proposed labour law that would have made it easier for employers to fire workers under the age of 26.
President Jacques Chirac announced the cancellation of the CPE (Contrat première embauche) law after weeks of protests and negotiations with labour unions and student groups.
The protests showed the strength of student activism and the ability of young people to effect change through collective action.
7. The 2009 "green wave" protests:
An estimated 1 million protestors across France, with some of the largest protests taking place in Paris. The actions of the protestors included marches, blockades of roads and railways, and protests in the streets.
The proposed carbon tax was suspended by the government due to the protests.
The protests raised awareness of environmental issues and the need for action to protect the planet.
The government announced new environmental measures, such as subsidies for energy-efficient housing and a bonus-malus system for car emissions, in response to the protests.
8. 2012 LGBTQ+ rights protests:
These protests aim to advocate for equal rights and legal recognition of same-sex marriages. The protests drew a significant number of participants, with estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million people. They were held in major cities across France and were marked by colourful banners, signs, and chants in support of equal rights for all.
• Despite opposition from protesters, the French government legalized same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples in 2013.
• The protests brought attention to issues related to same-sex marriage and adoption rights in France.
• The demonstrations were also seen as a significant victory for the LGBT rights movement in France.
9. 2016 Nuit Debout movement:
This movement involved thousands of protestors across France, with some of the largest protests taking place in Paris. The actions of the protestors included occupying public spaces and organizing public assemblies to discuss issues related to participatory democracy, social justice, and environmental protection.
• Increased pressure on the government to address issues related to social justice and participatory democracy, leading to some policy changes.
• Raised awareness of environmental issues and the need for action to protect the planet.
• Organized various protests and actions throughout the country, including marches, sit-ins, and cultural events.
• Influenced the 2017 presidential elections by creating a platform for various political movements to express their ideas and agendas.
10. 2018 Yellow Vest protests:
It involved hundreds of thousands of protestors across France, with some of the largest protests taking place in Paris. The actions of the protestors included blockades of roads and highways, clashes with police, and vandalism of public and private property.
• Government backed down on some proposed reforms, including fuel tax increases and a pension overhaul.
• Announcement of a €10 billion package to address the concerns of the protesters, including measures to increase purchasing power and improve social services.
• Implementation of new measures to improve transparency and accountability in government decision-making.
• Led to a broader debate on issues related to inequality, social justice, and democracy in France.
• Increased awareness of the gap between the political elites and the general public, and the need for more inclusive policies.
“Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.” - Jean-Jacques Rousseau
In conclusion, the French have shown the world that protest can be a powerful force for change. From the French Revolution to the Yellow Vest protests, the French have a long history of using collective action to challenge the status quo. It's their strength of solidarity, intellectualism, critical thinking, and civil disobedience that has truly set them apart.
So, what can the rest of the world learn from the French? It's simple: stand together, question authority, and never be afraid to challenge the status quo. The power of protest is more important than ever. So let us all take a page from the French playbook and raise our voices together, because in the words of the great French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, “Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.”