First National People’s School by Jeunesse Communiste and Organization of Rent Strike in France
Featured image: National People’s School of Jeunesse Communiste carried out in France. Source: JC
The struggle continues in France, and La Cause du Peuple and Jeunesse Communiste (JC) have reported on several developments over the past week.
Jeunesse Communist (JC) has reported on the carrying out of their first National People’s School. Last weekend, members of the JC gathered from all over France for a time of political discussion and camaraderie. Topics such as democratic centralism, electoral boycott and mass mobilization were discussed. Additionally, boxing lessons and various workshops were carried out.
In Mirail, France, La Cause du Peuple (LCDP) have reported on the organization of a rent strike. LCDP reports that 38 people gathered in a meeting requested by several residents in response to the numerous problems caused by the landlord Toulouse Métropole Habitat (TMH).
Multiple attempts by residents had been made to contact the landlord to have their concerns addressed, with no response, as the housing conditions grew increasingly unacceptable. Many residents, either part of or close to the People’s Committee for Mutual Aid and Solidarity, opted for the option left to them, the only language that the landlords understand – a rent strike.
LCDP writes:
“After this large meeting, which ended in general enthusiasm, the residents proclaimed the founding of the Bagatelle People’s Committee for Mutual Aid and Solidarity, the culmination of a process lasting several months and forged from the residents’ determination to fight back. Once this was accomplished, a leaflet was produced to rally as many residents as possible to the cause of the rent strike and force TMH to back down.”
High-school mobilizations in Lyon have continued despite school closures, disciplinary measures, and police repression. Students protested for dignified conditions for studying, with blockades and demonstrations in the city and surrounding working-class neighborhoods.
On November 13, students, university students, and workers gathered outside the Lyon courthouse in support of Amine, an 18-year-old prosecuted after a violent police charge near Lycée Lumière, which left several youths hospitalized. He broke free from an officer and called others to help, which was twisted by the court as an incitement to lynch the police officer. Banners were hung around the courthouse: “Freedom and acquittal for Amine.” The courtroom was packed with students and others there to support Amine. LCDP reports that he received 10 months under electronic monitoring and an additional eight-month suspended sentence.
JC reports that comrades were arrested this morning while distributing leaflets, and had their leaflets confiscated, and call to continue to intensify organization.
