French Communist Party

The French Communist Party (French: Parti communiste français or PCF) is France's largest communist party and a member of the European Left group.

The 1960s and 70s

Thorez died in 1964 and was succeeded as PCF leader by Jacques Duclos. In May 1968 widespread student riots and strikes broke out in France. The PCF supported the general strike but opposed the revolutionary student movement, which was dominated by Trotskyists and Maoists. The PCF also alienated many on the left by supporting the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. Nevertheless, the PCF benefited from the left-wing mood of the period, and from the collapse of the socialists. At the 1969 presidential election, Duclos polled 21% of the vote, completely eclipsing the SFIO.

Related Topics:
1964 - Jacques Duclos - May 1968 - Trotskyists - Maoists - Czechoslovakia - 1968 - 1969

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In 1972 Duclos was succeeded by Georges Marchais, who began a moderate liberalisation of the party's policies and internal life, although dissident members, particularly intellectuals, continued to be expelled. The PCF entered an alliance with François Mitterrand's new Socialist Party (PS), but broke it off again before the 1974 elections, allowing the right to retain power. The PCF remained loyal to Moscow, disapproving of the Eurocommunism of the Italian Communist Party. The alliance with the PS was renewed for the 1981 elections, at which Mitterrand was elected President and the left won a large majority in the National Assembly.

Related Topics:
1972 - Georges Marchais - François Mitterrand - Socialist Party - 1974 - Eurocommunism - Italian Communist Party - 1981 - National Assembly

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