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{{Expand French}}
⚫ In **]**, several organizations identify with **]**. These groups vary in size, with memberships ranging from a few dozen to several thousand activists<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, p. 16.</ref>.
⚫ {{Trotskyism}}

⚫ In ], several organizations identify with ]. These groups vary in size, with memberships ranging from a few dozen to several thousand activists.{{sfn|Nick|2002|p =16}}


== History == == History ==


=== Beginnings: 1929–1940 === === Beginnings: 1929–1933 ===
In **1929**, **]** was expelled from the **]** by order of **]**<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme'', Armand Colin, 2002.</ref>. Internationally, those who supported Trotsky's political views and his **]** were expelled from the **]** aligned with the **]**, which had come under Stalinist control. These initial "Trotskyists" (a term initially used by their adversaries) organized themselves nationally and internationally despite significant challenges<ref>Bensaïd, Daniel. ''Les Trotskysmes''. PUF, 2001.</ref>. In 1929, ] was ] from the ] by order of ].<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme'', Armand Colin, 2002.</ref> Internationally, those who supported Trotsky's political views and his ] were expelled from the ] aligned with the ], which had come under Stalinist control. These initial "Trotskyists" (a term initially used by their adversaries) organized themselves nationally and ] despite significant challenges.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001}}


In France, under Trotsky’s guidance, the **]** was founded in **April 1930** by **]**, **]**, **]**, **]**, and **]**. Its members, all part of the **] (PCF)**, operated as a clandestine faction within the party and disseminated their ideas through the journal *]*<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, pp. 25–27.</ref>. In France, under Trotsky’s guidance, the ] was founded in April 1930 by ], ], ], ], and ]. Its members, all part of the ] (PCF), operated as a clandestine faction within the party and disseminated their ideas through the journal '']''.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp=25–27}}


=== Trotsky's Exile in France ===
⚫ By **1934**, the French Trotskyists numbered fewer than forty members. Following Trotsky’s advice, they joined the **] (SFIO)** to influence the party's political direction, particularly after the SFIO adopted a united front strategy with the Communist Party<ref>Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste de 1929 à nos jours''. Éditions 1, 2002, pp. 38–39.</ref>. However, this effort ended when the SFIO adopted the **]** strategy at its **1935 Mulhouse Congress**, leading to the expulsion of the Trotskyists<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, p. 45.</ref>.
After a stay in Turkey, in July 1933, Trotsky was offered asylum in France by Prime Minister ]. Trotsky accepted the offer, but he was forbidden to live in ] and soon found himself under the surveillance of the French police. From July 1933 to February 1934, Trotsky and his wife lived in ]. The philosopher and activist ] also arranged for Trotsky and his bodyguards to stay for a few days at her parents' house.<ref name="marxists.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1935/06/french.htm |title=An Open Letter to the French Workers |first=Leon |last=Trotsky |author-link=Leon Trotsky |date=10 June 1935 |via=] |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123230116/https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1935/06/french.htm |archive-date=23 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>


Following the ] in France, the French minister of internal affairs, ], signed a decree to deport Trotsky from France.<ref name="marxists.org" /> However, no foreign government was found willing to accept Trotsky within its borders. Accordingly, the French authorities instructed Trotsky to move to a residence in the tiny village of ] under the strict surveillance of the French police, where Trotsky found his contact with the outside world to be even worse than during his exile in Turkey.<ref name="marxists.org" />

In May 1935, soon after the French government had agreed to the ] with the Soviet Union government, Trotsky was officially told that he was no longer welcome in France. After weighing his options, Trotsky applied to move to Norway.

⚫ === French Turn ===
⚫ By 1934, the French Trotskyists numbered fewer than forty members. Following Trotsky’s advice, under what was known as the ], they ] the ] (SFIO) to influence the party's political direction, particularly after the SFIO adopted a united front strategy with the Communist Party.{{sfn|Charpier|2002|pp=38–39}} However, this effort ended when the SFIO adopted the ] strategy at its ], leading to the expulsion of the Trotskyists.{{sfn|Nick|2002|p=45}}

⚫ === Pre War ===
Subsequent years saw internal divisions and the creation of several groups: Subsequent years saw internal divisions and the creation of several groups:
* **Party of Revolutionary Workers (POR)**, led by **Naville** and **Rosenthal**. * ] (POR) led by Naville and Rosenthal.
* **Revolutionary Action Groups (GAR)**, founded by **Molinier** and **Frank**. * ] (GAR), founded by Molinier and Frank.
* **Revolutionary Socialist Youth (JSR)**, created by **Yvan Craipeau**, **Fred Zeller**, and others<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, pp. 52–56.</ref>. * ] (JSR), created by ], ], and others.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp =52–56}}


By **1938**, the French Trotskyists unified into the **International Workers' Party (POI)**, which represented the French section of the newly established **]**. Internal schisms, however, persisted<ref>Bensaïd, Daniel. ''Les Trotskysmes''. PUF, 2001, pp. 23–25.</ref>. By 1938, the French Trotskyists unified into the ] (POI), which represented the French section of the newly established ]. Internal schisms, however, persisted.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001|pp=23–25}}


=== World War II: 1940–1945 === === World War II: 1940–1945 ===
During **World War II**, French Trotskyists faced difficult choices: whether to engage in **]** or **]** into collaborationist movements to conduct propaganda among German soldiers<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme et les trotskystes''. Armand Colin, 2002, pp. 92–94.</ref>. Notable figures like **]** endured Nazi deportation and later documented the concentration camp experience<ref>Rousset, David. ''L'univers concentrationnaire''. Éditions de Minuit, 1946.</ref>. During ], French Trotskyists faced difficult choices: whether to engage in ] or ] into ] movements to conduct propaganda among German soldiers.<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme et les trotskystes''. Armand Colin, 2002, pp. 92–94.</ref> Notable figures like ] endured Nazi deportation and later documented the concentration camp experience.<ref>Rousset, David. ''L'univers concentrationnaire''. Éditions de Minuit, 1946.</ref>


The war also saw Trotskyist activities in the **Free French** and clandestine efforts. These years were marked by the assassination of **Trotsky** in **1940**, leaving the Fourth International in disarray<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, p. 106.</ref>. The war also saw Trotskyist activities in the ] and clandestine efforts. These years were marked by the ] in 1940, leaving the Fourth International in disarray.{{sfn|Nick|2002|p =106}}


=== Postwar Period: 1945–1968 === === Postwar Period: 1945–1968 ===
The postwar years saw the unification of French Trotskyists into the **Internationalist Communist Party (PCI)**, though this unity was short-lived due to internal ideological divisions. By **1952**, a major split occurred between the **"Pabloist"** and **"Lambertist"** factions, reflecting broader international divisions within the Fourth International<ref>Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste''. Éditions 1, 2002, p. 158.</ref>. The postwar years saw the unification of French Trotskyists into the ] (PCI), which became the French section of the Fourth International, though this unity was short-lived due to internal ideological divisions. By 1952, a major split occurred between the ] and ] factions, reflecting broader international divisions within the Fourth International{{sfn|Charpier|2002|p=158}} which removed its Central Committee. It split again when in 1953, the Fourth International itself divided.


During the **Algerian War of Independence**, French Trotskyists played an active role. The **Pabloists** supported the **]**, providing material aid and political advocacy<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, pp. 195–198.</ref>. Conversely, the **Lambertists** aligned with the **]**<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, p. 201.</ref>. During the ], French Trotskyists played an active role. The Pabloists supported the ], providing material aid and political advocacy.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp=195–198}} Conversely, the Lambertists aligned with the ].{{sfn|Nick|2002|p=201}}


In 1967, the rump of the PCI renamed itself the "]" ({{lang|fr|Organisation Communiste Internationaliste}}, OCI).
⚫ === May 1968 and Beyond ===

⚫ The events of **May 1968** revitalized Trotskyist movements in France, with the emergence of the **] (LCR)** and the growth of **] (LO)**. These groups, along with other smaller factions, gained electoral and political visibility in the decades following<ref>Bensaïd, Daniel. ''Les Trotskysmes''. PUF, 2001, pp. 72–73.</ref>.
⚫ === May 1968 ===
⚫ The events of ] revitalized Trotskyist movements in France, with the emergence of the ] (LCR) and the growth of
] (LO). These groups, along with other smaller factions, gained electoral and political visibility in the decades following.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001|pp=72–73}}

They were banned alongside other ] groups, such as the ] (Proletarian Left). Members temporarily reconstituted the group as the Trotskyist Organisation but soon obtained a state order permitting the reformation of the OCI. By 1970, the OCI was able to organise a 10,000-strong youth rally. The group also gained a strong base in trade unions. However, further splits and disintegration followed.

=== 2000s ===
] protesters marching in a workforce demonstration in favour of public services and against privatization]]

In ], three trotskyist candidates ran in the election. ] of ] got 5.72%, ] of the ] ({{lang|fr|Ligue communiste révolutionnaire}}) got 4.25% and ] of the ] ({{lang|fr|Parti des Travailleurs}}) got 0.47%.


== Trotskyism in Contemporary France == == Trotskyism in Contemporary France ==
Trotskyist movements continue to influence French politics, particularly through electoral campaigns and activism in social movements<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, pp. 250–252.</ref>. While the broader left has fragmented, organizations like **Lutte Ouvrière**, the **]**, and smaller groups like **Revolution Permanente** maintain the legacy of Trotskyist thought in the 21st century<ref>Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste''. Éditions 1, 2002, p. 320.</ref>. Trotskyist movements continue to influence French politics, particularly through electoral campaigns and activism in social movements.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp = 250–252}} While the broader left has fragmented, organizations like Lutte Ouvrière, the
], and smaller groups like ] maintain the legacy of Trotskyist thought in the 21st century.{{sfn|Charpier|2002|p=320}}

In 2016 ], formerly of the ICO, launched the left-wing political platform {{lang|fr|]}} (Unbowed France), subsequently endorsed by several parties, including his own ] and the ]. In the 2017 French Presidential Election, he received 19% in the first round. In the same election, ] of the ], into which the Revolutionary Communist League dissolved itself in 2008, won 1.20% of the vote. The only openly Trotskyist candidate, ] of Lutte Ouvrière, won 0.64% of the vote.


=== Prominent Organizations === === Prominent Organizations ===
* **Lutte Ouvrière (LO)**: Known for its electoral campaigns led by **]** and **]**<ref>Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002, pp. 275–280.</ref>. * ] (LO, Workers' struggle): Known for its electoral campaigns led by ] and ].{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp=275–280}}
* **New Anticapitalist Party (NPA)**: Formed from the LCR, it continues to advocate for radical leftist policies<ref>Bensaïd, Daniel. ''Les Trotskysmes''. PUF, 2001, pp. 80–83.</ref>. * New Anticapitalist Party (NPA): Formed from the LCR, it continues to advocate for radical leftist policies.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001|pp=80–83}}
* **Revolution Permanente**: A newer party emphasizing contemporary issues like anti-racism and workers’ struggles<ref>Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste''. Éditions 1, 2002, p. 350.</ref>. * Revolution Permanente: A newer party emphasizing contemporary issues like anti-racism and workers’ struggles.{{sfn|Charpier|2002|p=350}}
* ]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Portal|France}}

⚫ * {{Cite book|last=Barcia|first=Robert|title=La Véritable Histoire de Lutte ouvrière|language=fr|publisher=Denoël|year=2003}}
* {{Cite book|last=Bensaïd|first=Daniel|title=Les Trotskysmes|publisher=PUF|language=fr|year=2001}}
⚫ * {{Cite book|last=Charpier|first=Frédéric|title=Histoire de l'extrême gauche trotskiste de 1929 à nos jours|publisher=Éditions 1|language=fr|year=2002}}
* {{Cite book|last=Nick|first=Christophe|title=Les Trotskistes|language=fr|publisher=Fayard|year=2002}}


⚫ === References ===
⚫ * Barcia, Robert. ''La Véritable Histoire de Lutte ouvrière''. Denoël, 2003.
* Bensaïd, Daniel. ''Les Trotskysmes''. PUF, 2001.
⚫ * Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste de 1929 à nos jours''. Éditions 1, 2002.
* Nick, Christophe. ''Les Trotskistes''. Fayard, 2002.


⚫ === See Also ===
* ]
* ]
⚫ * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


] ]
]

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In France, several organizations identify with Trotskyism. These groups vary in size, with memberships ranging from a few dozen to several thousand activists.

History

Beginnings: 1929–1933

In 1929, Leon Trotsky was expelled from the USSR by order of Joseph Stalin. Internationally, those who supported Trotsky's political views and his Left Opposition were expelled from the Communist parties aligned with the Third International, which had come under Stalinist control. These initial "Trotskyists" (a term initially used by their adversaries) organized themselves nationally and internationally despite significant challenges.

In France, under Trotsky’s guidance, the Communist League was founded in April 1930 by Alfred Rosmer, Pierre Naville, Gérard Rosenthal, Pierre Frank, and Raymond Molinier. Its members, all part of the French Communist Party (PCF), operated as a clandestine faction within the party and disseminated their ideas through the journal La Vérité.

Trotsky's Exile in France

After a stay in Turkey, in July 1933, Trotsky was offered asylum in France by Prime Minister Édouard Daladier. Trotsky accepted the offer, but he was forbidden to live in Paris and soon found himself under the surveillance of the French police. From July 1933 to February 1934, Trotsky and his wife lived in Royan. The philosopher and activist Simone Weil also arranged for Trotsky and his bodyguards to stay for a few days at her parents' house.

Following the 6 February 1934 crisis in France, the French minister of internal affairs, Albert Sarraut, signed a decree to deport Trotsky from France. However, no foreign government was found willing to accept Trotsky within its borders. Accordingly, the French authorities instructed Trotsky to move to a residence in the tiny village of Barbizon under the strict surveillance of the French police, where Trotsky found his contact with the outside world to be even worse than during his exile in Turkey.

In May 1935, soon after the French government had agreed to the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union government, Trotsky was officially told that he was no longer welcome in France. After weighing his options, Trotsky applied to move to Norway.

French Turn

By 1934, the French Trotskyists numbered fewer than forty members. Following Trotsky’s advice, under what was known as the French Turn, they joined the French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO) to influence the party's political direction, particularly after the SFIO adopted a united front strategy with the Communist Party. However, this effort ended when the SFIO adopted the Popular Front strategy at its 1935 Mulhouse Congress, leading to the expulsion of the Trotskyists.

Pre War

Subsequent years saw internal divisions and the creation of several groups:

By 1938, the French Trotskyists unified into the Internationalist Workers' Party (POI), which represented the French section of the newly established Fourth International. Internal schisms, however, persisted.

World War II: 1940–1945

During World War II, French Trotskyists faced difficult choices: whether to engage in resistance or entryism into collaborationist movements to conduct propaganda among German soldiers. Notable figures like David Rousset endured Nazi deportation and later documented the concentration camp experience.

The war also saw Trotskyist activities in the Free French and clandestine efforts. These years were marked by the assassination of Trotsky in 1940, leaving the Fourth International in disarray.

Postwar Period: 1945–1968

The postwar years saw the unification of French Trotskyists into the Internationalist Communist Party (PCI), which became the French section of the Fourth International, though this unity was short-lived due to internal ideological divisions. By 1952, a major split occurred between the Pabloist and Lambertist factions, reflecting broader international divisions within the Fourth International which removed its Central Committee. It split again when in 1953, the Fourth International itself divided.

During the Algerian War of Independence, French Trotskyists played an active role. The Pabloists supported the FLN, providing material aid and political advocacy. Conversely, the Lambertists aligned with the MNA.

In 1967, the rump of the PCI renamed itself the "Internationalist Communist Organisation" (Organisation Communiste Internationaliste, OCI).

May 1968

The events of May 1968 revitalized Trotskyist movements in France, with the emergence of the Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) and the growth of Lutte Ouvrière (LO). These groups, along with other smaller factions, gained electoral and political visibility in the decades following.

They were banned alongside other far-left groups, such as the Gauche prolétarienne (Proletarian Left). Members temporarily reconstituted the group as the Trotskyist Organisation but soon obtained a state order permitting the reformation of the OCI. By 1970, the OCI was able to organise a 10,000-strong youth rally. The group also gained a strong base in trade unions. However, further splits and disintegration followed.

2000s

LCR protesters marching in a workforce demonstration in favour of public services and against privatization

In 2002, three trotskyist candidates ran in the election. Arlette Laguiller of Lutte Ouvrière got 5.72%, Olivier Besancenot of the Revolutionary Communist League (Ligue communiste révolutionnaire) got 4.25% and Daniel Gluckstein of the Workers' Party (Parti des Travailleurs) got 0.47%.

Trotskyism in Contemporary France

Trotskyist movements continue to influence French politics, particularly through electoral campaigns and activism in social movements. While the broader left has fragmented, organizations like Lutte Ouvrière, the NPA, and smaller groups like Revolution Permanente maintain the legacy of Trotskyist thought in the 21st century.

In 2016 Jean-Luc Mélenchon, formerly of the ICO, launched the left-wing political platform La France Insoumise (Unbowed France), subsequently endorsed by several parties, including his own Left Party and the French Communist Party. In the 2017 French Presidential Election, he received 19% in the first round. In the same election, Philippe Poutou of the New Anticapitalist Party, into which the Revolutionary Communist League dissolved itself in 2008, won 1.20% of the vote. The only openly Trotskyist candidate, Nathalie Arthaud of Lutte Ouvrière, won 0.64% of the vote.

Prominent Organizations

References

  1. Nick 2002, p. 16.
  2. Marie, Jean-Jacques. Le Trotskisme, Armand Colin, 2002.
  3. Bensaïd 2001.
  4. Nick 2002, pp. 25–27.
  5. ^ Trotsky, Leon (10 June 1935). "An Open Letter to the French Workers". Archived from the original on 23 November 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2017 – via Marxists Internet Archive.
  6. Charpier 2002, pp. 38–39.
  7. Nick 2002, p. 45.
  8. Nick 2002, pp. 52–56.
  9. Bensaïd 2001, pp. 23–25.
  10. Marie, Jean-Jacques. Le Trotskisme et les trotskystes. Armand Colin, 2002, pp. 92–94.
  11. Rousset, David. L'univers concentrationnaire. Éditions de Minuit, 1946.
  12. Nick 2002, p. 106.
  13. Charpier 2002, p. 158.
  14. Nick 2002, pp. 195–198.
  15. Nick 2002, p. 201.
  16. Bensaïd 2001, pp. 72–73.
  17. Nick 2002, pp. 250–252.
  18. Charpier 2002, p. 320.
  19. Nick 2002, pp. 275–280.
  20. Bensaïd 2001, pp. 80–83.
  21. Charpier 2002, p. 350.

Further reading

  • Barcia, Robert (2003). La Véritable Histoire de Lutte ouvrière (in French). Denoël.
  • Bensaïd, Daniel (2001). Les Trotskysmes (in French). PUF.
  • Charpier, Frédéric (2002). Histoire de l'extrême gauche trotskiste de 1929 à nos jours (in French). Éditions 1.
  • Nick, Christophe (2002). Les Trotskistes (in French). Fayard.
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