Popular Front (France)

The term Popular Front (French for Popular Front ) means the government of the united French left parties, which came at the time of the Third Republic in 1936 to power and is closely linked to the person of the then Prime Minister Léon Blum.

Prehistory

The Italian- Ethiopian war of 1935, the entry of the right-wing parties in Italy, but especially of the menacing rise of fascism in Europe, developed to its supremacy in that time, Nazi Germany, led to a convergence of left-wing parties Section Française de l' International ouvrière ( SFIO ) and Parti Communiste français ( PCF). As well as the Parti radical government withdrew support, the formation of a Popular Front government of socialists and communists was the logical consequence. The partners announced on January 12, 1936 a joint program. One last obstacle before the elections in May 1936, overcome by the merger of the unions CGT and CGTU. After the election victory prevailed in much of the population first great pleasure. But the hope for an immediate formation of a new government was not fulfilled. Léon Blum, the designated prime minister, waited under the Constitution first, the official end of the legislature from. This resulted in the left bearing massive expressions of discontent, which eventually went to mass strikes. When the new government was formed on 5 June 1936 the economy was almost completely paralyzed. This forced the employer to fundamental concessions to the workers' representatives, especially in relation to the CGT. This included the recognition of trade unions, the establishment of works councils, the right to strike, a substantial wage increase as well as vacation time.

Popular Front government

The government of socialists and radicals ( ' Popular Front ') belonged to no minister of the PCF; this had only promised to support the cabinet in parliament. The government implemented further improvements in the area of labor law: they contain in 1936 for the first time in history, the 40 -hour week and a statutory entitlement to leave one. For many French people there were in 1936 for the first time paid vacation in the summer. The government began Moreover, with the nationalization of the Banque de France, the railways ( SNCF formation ) and the defense industry. In the monetary policy of the Blum government met with fierce resistance. The devaluation of the franc happened just the legislature; the expected stabilization of the currency soon proved to be a failure. The government was prompted in February 1937 to suspend further reform projects for the time being.

At a load of the Popular Front government was also foreign policy. Initially, Blum had openly supported the Spanish Civil War the Republicans. After consultation with the British government, there was then but a turning point. On the initiative Blum towards a non-interference agreement has been concluded, the United Kingdom, France, Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany joined. As Italy and Germany continued their support for Francisco Franco de, the Alliance had in fact weakened the Republican side result. Then the PCF withdrew the government first in foreign policy support. Also inside and fiscally the fronts began to harden. Defense Minister Édouard Daladier sought, supported by Blum, an increase in defense spending to. Among other things, the financing of these projects Blum demanded complete freedom of action in fiscal policy. A similar law failed in the Senate; This was the reason for the end of the Blum government and the Popular Front government.

The cabinets

It seems to understand the French interior and foreign policy this year helpful to list the prime minister or government from 1933 to 1940:

  • (1933-1933) Édouard Daladier
  • (1933-1933) Albert Sarraut ( 26 October-24 November 1933)
  • (1933-1934) Camille Chautemps
  • (1934-1934) Édouard Daladier
  • (1934-1934) Gaston Doumergue
  • (1934-1935) Pierre -Etienne Flandin
  • (1935-1935) Fernand Bouisson ( 1 to 4 June 1935)
  • (1935-1936) Pierre Laval
  • (1936-1936) Albert Sarraut ( 24 January to 4 June 1936)
  • (1936-1937) Léon Blum ( came through election to office )
  • (1937-1938) Camille Chautemps (June 22, 1937 to March 10, 1938 )
  • (1938-1938) Léon Blum
  • (1938-1940) Édouard Daladier
  • (1940-1940) Paul Reynaud
  • (1940-1940) Philippe Pétain
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