The PCF Continues its Regional Debates

A second weekend of conferences on the choice of strategy for the regional elections.

The Communists are in the second stage of their regional conferences. Twelve meetings were held this weekend (Alsace, Bourgogne, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Île-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine, Midi-Pyrénées, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardie, Rhône-Alpes), completing the Tour de France by region after a first stage of ten meetings last weekend. Each member will be asked to give their opinion on the political strategy proposed by the PCF National Assembly for the regional elections. The proposal is for a “broad alliance under the banner of the Left Front lists for the first round of voting, based on the three parties PCF [1], Parti de gauche [2], Gauche unitaire [3] that created an alliance for the European elections, but also looking far beyond them, to unite all those who feel implicated in such an alliance.” The offer is not a closed option, however, as it must be viewed in the light of the “conditions” and “available resources” particular to each region, the alternative being more often than not the broadest possible coalition of the left from the first round of voting. Several stages are involved before the definitive choice is made. In the first instance a ballot paper will be sent to every activist in each of the regions, taking into account the options discussed in each conference and the preferences expressed by the regional delegates, and noting, when such is the case, the leading candidate or candidates for the communists on the lists.

PCF members are asked to vote decisively in regional referenda taking place between the 19 and 21 November.

Last weekend eight out of ten of the conferences voted — sometimes in very tight ballots — in favour of lists representing the Left Front.