(Translated from Rouge, paper of the LCR )
At the time of the first round of the Presidential election the far left united more than 10% of the vote. Despite the Le Pen effect and the 20% score of the far right, this unprecedented result is positive in the current relationship of forces as in the struggles to come.
It confirms the rise of a radical vote which punishes the government (plural) left. It shows the readiness of a significant part of the population from the world of work and young people to punish fthe different components of the Jospin government from the left, while rejecting the right and the far right.
It bestows major responsibilities on the LCR and LO.
During the campaign the LCR declared from the beginning it was for the unity of the far left. Our opinion has not changed after the first round.
Nationally only LO and the LCR have the capacity to present a clear alternative in the political landscape. A multiplication of candidacies and competitive situations will be harmful for everyone.
Therefore last week we proposed to Lutte Ouvriere last week that we discuss an agreement to divide up constituencies. This approach was confirmed by our central committee.
Such a sharing out of consitituencies seems to be the most effective way, in view of the very short time we have to work things through and the fact that the two organisations conducted separate campaigns.
This would mean a far left candidate in every mainland constituency on a 50-50 basis with a call for a reciprocal vote on the basis of a common declaration dealing with the main issues in the election.
The LCR has been involved for some years in some departments in local agreements like "Tous Ensemble a Gauche" (All together on the left) in Finistere (Brittany) or A Gauche Autrement (An Alternative on the Left) in the Rhone. These groupings should be included in this national approach and be written into the agreement.
In its own constituencies, the LCR will pursue is policy of openness toward those who identified with Olivier Besancenot’s campaign.