On December 23, Casino employees nationwide protested against the liquidation of the retail chain, citing long-term mismanagement and financial issues. The CGT union supported the Beaumont de Lomagne store employees, distributing leaflets to raise awareness. Potential buyers include Intermarché and Auchan. Alexandra Tricottet of the PCF emphasized the need for employee decision-making power in companies. The CGT plans to continue mobilization and participate in upcoming negotiations.

Tenant organizations CNL and AFOC, representing residents from Montauban, Caussade, and Castelsarrasin, demand a freeze on rents and charges and an end to evictions amid the cost-of-living crisis and inflation. They criticize Tarn et Garonne Habitat for a 3.5% rent increase starting January 2024 and call for increased state funding for social housing. Despite some progress, tenant representatives urge further mobilization, highlighting the urgent need for rent and charge freezes to prevent severe hardship for tenants.

Fabien Roussel, accompanied by Léon Deffontaines and other PCF representatives, visited the Golfech nuclear plant, emphasizing the importance of nuclear and renewable energy in addressing climate change. They advocated for significant investments in the energy sector to reduce costs for individuals and businesses. The visit also highlighted solidarity with CGT FNME 82 union members and the unique stance of the communists in the upcoming European elections, aiming to send energy sector workers to the European Parliament.

The 53rd Congress of the National Housing Confederation (CNL) in Nanterre focused on social housing issues, the impact of inflation, and the need for stronger community engagement. Key discussions included the crisis in construction, the reduction of social rent, and the withdrawal of state support. The congress emphasized the importance of local and federal structures, membership growth, and collective action to address current and future challenges. Proposals for regulated energy tariffs were also highlighted as part of broader measures to support household purchasing power. The event underscored the ongoing struggle for housing rights and the necessity of continuous advocacy.

Marie Piqué, Vice-President of the PCF, addressed the 83rd HLM Congress in Nantes, criticizing the market-driven approach to housing and advocating for a public housing shock. She proposed measures such as freezing rents, banning evictions, and enabling local authorities to acquire land and buildings at lower costs. Piqué emphasized the need for massive public investment in quality housing and reducing VAT on housing production and rehabilitation. The Occitanie region, under her influence, has been actively working to reduce social and territorial inequalities through substantial investments in housing.

Ian Brossat emphasizes the need for the left to focus on social issues and economic equality, criticizing the current political debate for being disconnected from the real struggles of citizens. He highlights the failure of the left's union in the 2022 legislative elections and the rise of far-right representation. Brossat calls for a shift in focus towards social concerns and criticizes the European Union's budgetary constraints. He remains hopeful, citing public support for left-wing economic policies and successful local initiatives in Paris as reasons for optimism.

Julien Sueres reports on the General Assembly of the Communists of Tarn et Garonne, highlighting their mobilization for future initiatives. The assembly praised the efforts of members over the summer and prepared for the upcoming Fête de l'Huma, a significant political event. The French Communist Party, through its national secretary Fabien Roussel, has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine and is preparing to present a comprehensive climate plan on November 6. The party is also focusing on the power of purchasing issues and the upcoming European elections, with Léon Deffontaines as the lead candidate. A national party conference in October will finalize collective decisions for the elections. The party continues to campaign for better days and encourages membership growth through active engagement.

The podcast on CFM Radio provided an opportunity to discuss current national and departmental political events and introduced proposals from the French Communist Party to improve the country's situation. The show, presented by Samir Chikhi, is described as engaging and informative, offering insights into the work and projects of local professionals. It airs bimonthly on Thursdays at 7:00 PM with reruns on Sundays at 3:00 PM.

The article criticizes the removal of free expression billboards in Valence d’Agen, attributing it to political control by M. Baylet. The Communist Party protests this action, viewing it as a threat to responsible and free citizen expression. They call for the withdrawal of the municipal decree and the implementation of intercommunal advertising regulations. Additionally, they seek support from democratic and republican forces to combat this intolerable situation, emphasizing the urgency of promoting progressive ideas against anti-republican ambitions of groups like the RN.

The Secours Populaire, in collaboration with the Région Occitanie, organized the 'Day of the Forgotten Holidays' on August 24th at Gruissan beach, benefiting over 1,500 parents and children. This initiative, supported by local officials including Vice-President Marie Piqué and Mayor Didier Codorniou, aims to provide leisure opportunities for children affected by poverty. Since 2019, the region has partnered with Secours Populaire, allowing thousands of residents to enjoy a day of leisure, highlighting the ongoing commitment to combating social discrimination.

Government cost-cutting and lack of foresight have led to a catastrophic situation in public hospital services, with deteriorating working conditions and endangering populations, especially in rural areas. The recent decision to cap interim staff remuneration in public but not private clinics exacerbates the issue, with public hospitals like Cahors unable to attract staff. This has resulted in the termination of maternity care in the Lot department, forcing pregnant women to seek care elsewhere. A regional councilor from Lot calls for urgent national action to restore equality between public and private medical services and to halt the destruction of the public hospital service, emphasizing that rural populations deserve equal access to healthcare.

The article criticizes the French government's implementation of the RIST law, which caps spending for public hospitals but not private ones, exacerbating inequalities in healthcare access. The author, a regional and local elected official and a CGT health union leader, argues that this policy weakens public hospitals, especially in rural areas like Aveyron, and calls for equal treatment between public and private healthcare services to prevent further deterioration of public health services and to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

The Occitanie region has launched a comprehensive water management plan to address the urgent water deficit and the impacts of climate change. The plan, presented by regional president Carole Delga, aims to optimize water usage, ensure sustainable resource management, and secure water needs for various sectors. With an additional 160 million euros allocated until 2030, the plan emphasizes decentralization and innovative solutions, particularly for the drought-stricken Pyrénées-Orientales. Eric Cadoré, president of the regional water commission, underscores the importance of localized, coordinated efforts to manage water resources effectively.

A delegation from Occitanie, including Vice-President Marie Piqué, participated in the 5th Franco-Palestinian Assizes. The event highlighted the resilience of international cooperation despite recent challenges, showcasing various cultural, social, and solidarity programs. The discussions aimed to evaluate and strengthen Franco-Palestinian decentralized cooperation and encourage new projects amidst changing political conditions and deteriorating living conditions in Palestine. Marie Piqué contributed to a roundtable on water and sanitation, emphasizing the importance of experience sharing and decentralized cooperation in water management.

Over one million euros have been allocated by the Regional Council of Occitanie to support various social initiatives, including access to vacations for all and projects addressing discrimination, gender equality, and inclusion of people with disabilities. Pierre Lacaze, President of the Communist group in the regional council, emphasized the importance of solidarity and social justice, praising the efforts of volunteers and associations involved in these initiatives.

The Communist Party of France (PCF) opposes the A69 highway project between Toulouse and Castres, criticizing it as a privatized solution that neglects public infrastructure responsibilities. They advocate for nationalizing the highway sector to fund rail transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect agricultural land. The PCF argues that the project favors wealthy users and undermines regional development, calling for strong public services and sustainable agricultural practices.

Communist militants in Castelsarrasin reaffirm their support for the intersyndicale mobilized against pension reform, praising its unity and mobilization efforts. Maximilien Reynes Dupleix emphasizes the need for left-wing forces to work together, criticizing the NUPES for not being beyond critique. The local PCF section calls for a new Popular Front to promote social and democratic progress, advocating for a cooperative approach with labor unions.

The article discusses the significance of the Communist Party of France (PCF) in organizing workers and its historical contributions to social transformation. Key figures like Benoît Payan, Maurice Thorez, and Gabriel Péri are honored for their roles in the party's history. The text highlights the collaboration between political and syndical organizations, with speeches from Sophie Binet of the CGT and international representatives like Otto Vaillant and Hala Abou Hassira. The debate on socialism and the party's future direction is emphasized, with contributions from young militants like Hélène and Anthony Jacobs.

The PCF congress addressed the need for unity among left-wing factions without any group dominating others. Ian Brossat emphasized the importance of the intersyndicale's approach to mobilization and unity, contrasting it with the current state of left-wing politics. The congress concluded with a motion supporting the intersyndicale's opposition to pension reform and calling for collaborative efforts to offer hope and progress for France.

The article discusses the challenges facing social housing in Tarn et Garonne, highlighting the reduction in national funding and the state's disengagement from social housing policies. Key figures like Bernard Ksaz, Marcel Rogemont, Mahmood Aboushawish, and Marie Piqué emphasize the importance of social housing and criticize current economic policies. The article underscores the need for improved services, new initiatives, and increased funding to address the housing crisis in Occitanie, where over 180,000 households await social housing.

The article discusses the deterioration of the French healthcare system, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It criticizes the shift towards privatization and the reduction of public healthcare services, driven by policies from the European Commission and national governments. The text highlights the closure of local hospitals and the increasing influence of private healthcare companies like Orpea and Korian. It argues that these changes undermine the public healthcare system established post-World War II and calls for resistance against the commodification of healthcare.

The article discusses Karl Marx's views on labor and profit distribution, emphasizing the need for significant wage increases in response to current economic inequalities. It critiques the current capitalist system and highlights the importance of labor in creating wealth, advocating for a fairer distribution of value produced by workers.

In the west of Tarn et Garonne, France, where over a third of the population lives below the poverty line, the extreme right has found fertile ground amidst economic, social, and political ruins. The article argues for the centrality of accessible and well-paid work in public debate, along with the need for a general increase in wages and pensions. It calls for a collective awakening and the role of communists in contributing to the reconstruction of a popular left that can unite people towards new social achievements, echoing Jaurès' belief in the power of accurate information to enable free minds to understand and judge world events.

Communists in Montauban express their solidarity with the victims of a recent hospital assault, attributing the incident to the broader issue of inadequate healthcare resources in France. They criticize the government's long-standing policies that prioritize economic efficiency over public health, leading to dangerous conditions for both patients and healthcare workers. Despite ongoing protests and calls for better support, the situation remains dire, with further cuts to hospital services anticipated.

Communist delegates from Tarn et Garonne have been designated for the national congress in Marseille, following local section conferences. Maximilien Reynes Dupleix, re-elected as section secretary, emphasized the importance of these congresses for democratic reflection and action. The majority of local members supported the national secretary Fabien Roussel's platform, though with less unanimity than at the national level. Discussions also focused on revising the party's statutes and reintroducing local cells to strengthen grassroots engagement and party membership, especially in light of the region's political landscape, which now includes an RN deputy.

The article discusses the critical role of work in society and its intersection with the climate imperative. It highlights the views of various left-wing figures, including Fabien Roussel, Carole Delga, and François Ruffin, on the need for a common societal goal to address climate change. The text emphasizes the importance of creating jobs in sectors like energy, transport, and public services to combat the climate crisis and criticizes the capitalist focus on profit over societal well-being. The article also touches on the political landscape in France, noting the influence of the Rassemblement National in rural areas and the need for the left to address these issues more effectively.

Marie Piqué, Vice-President of the Occitanie Region, discusses the severe housing crisis in France, emphasizing the need for a national debate and collective redefinition of housing objectives. She criticizes the French government's financial disengagement and highlights the region's efforts in supporting social housing projects. Piqué calls for better organization of public housing financing and stresses the importance of local expertise in addressing territorial needs. The article also touches on the challenges of land availability and the need for sustainable regional development in line with the 2021 Climate and Resilience Law.

The article discusses the severe crisis in the French healthcare system, criticizing President Emmanuel Macron's policies as insufficient and disconnected from reality. It highlights the urgent need for substantial funding and reorganization to address the shortages and inefficiencies in hospitals and general medical practice. Key figures like Vincent Bounes and Fabien Roussel advocate for a comprehensive 'Marshall Plan' for healthcare, emphasizing the importance of better pay, working conditions, and a robust public health service. The article also underscores the detrimental impact of neoliberal policies on public healthcare and calls for significant reforms to ensure equitable access to medical services across France.