Parti communiste français

The French Communist Party (PCF for short) emerged in 1921 out of the Section Français de l'Internationale Communiste. The two parties fought for support; the PCF supported the many governments of France, but did not participate directly in politics until after World War II. The group took an active role in Charles de Gaulle's government starting in 1944. The PCF was critical of the Indochinese War and the Algerian War in the 1940s and 1950s. They opposed many of the referendums during the start of the Fifth Republic, to no avail. In 1956, Maurice Thorez became the party leader, a role he held until 1964 when Waldeck Rochet took over the party. The PCF ran a candidate in several presidential primaries, but never garnered enough support to continue to the second round of elections. In the 1970s, the PCF banded together with other parties of the left to create the programme commun; this alliance worked together to support Mitterand and also to make governmental changes that their constituents valued. Throughout its existence, the PCF supported the workers and farmers of France and fought for more social welfare programs, like higher minimum wages, better retirement conditions, better working conditions, and equal pay. The party also sought female support by celebrating women's issues and equal rights. The Party held Congresses every few years as party meetings to discuss and celebrate social issues. After President Mitterand's term in office, the party began to fracture and supporters disappeared. The end of communism and the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 put an extra burden on the already hurting party; they did not dissolve or change their name, but they struggled for wide support like they once had. The party is still active today, with a Young Communiste movement popular amongst the younger generation, but they do not have the members like during their heyday.

From the guide to the French Communist Party poster collection, circa 1945-2008, (George Mason University. Special Collections and Archives.)