Glossary :
CPN: Conseil politique national (National Political Council)
Département: name of the chief territorial administrative division in France (an identification number is attached to each of them).
NPA: Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste (New Anticapitalist Party)
QP: Quartiers populaires (working class or popular aeras/disctricts)
84 or CQP84: NPA committee working in the “Quartiers populaires” of the Vaucluse (départment 84)
On the recent developments
12 comrades, including Ilhem Moussaid, from the « quartiers populaires » (working class areas) comity in the Vaucluse (départment 84) have decided to leave the NPA.
This decision is linked to the differences and tensions that occurred within the 84 during the campaign for the regional elections. These differences had repercussions in the whole party. The NPA is discussing these matters, considering all positions equally, preparing its congress which will be held in February. It has decided to make its views concerning secularism, religion, antiracism and the concrete implications of feminism, more precise.
The congress was to be held in december but it will be a few weeks later in the end, because the huge social movement we have experienced in september-october meant we needed more time to have the discussions, and to be able to take it seriously into account.
The comrades from 84 probably didn’t want to wait another month. We are sorry they didn’t. Maybe they considered that the particular position which they defended in this debate wasn’t going to win a majority. But even if they were right, it is no reason for going. Different views on various questions can live together within the NPA.
Synthesis of the position expressed by the NPA Executive Committee
Press Statement by the Comité Quartiers Populaire 84
The Comité Quartiers Populaire 84 formally denies the comments reproduced in certain parts of the media We have not been forced out nor have we been expelled from the Party. Completely false remarks have been made which do not reflect the truth behind our departure - from the NPA. We do not deny the tensions which we have had with certain comrades, and our dismay regarding certain decisions, and aggressive actions or remarks from certain comrades, but (these) were never such to push us out.
Our leaving expresses disagreements with the decisions of the CPN to reject our motion and the need to take a break, to step back from our rich experience, from which we have learnt a lot, but which has been very stressful.
The NPA has launched a debate which is hard and taboo in France but necessary if we wish to see the day when the oppressed class is united and organised to struggle against the barbaric system that is capitalism. We encourage, therefore, the NPA to continue in this direction. It should offer an alternative to the government’s discriminatory policies, which stigmatise Immigrants, Roms, Youth and people living in Working Class/Immigrant Districts.
To allow comrades, whether they believe or not, practice their religion or not, to take part in the struggle and to be able to embody would be a positive sign, and a big step forward for our society.
We ask that our resignation is not used by others.