What Was The "Gauche Plurielle"?

"Gauche Plurielle" is the French for "Plural Left", and this was a left-wing coalition in France which was composed of the Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Greens, the Left Radical Party and the Citizens' Movement. This coalition was in power from 1997 to 2002, and Lionel Jospin was the Prime Minister.

This Left-Green government brought about a reduction in working hours, instituting the 35 hour working week, enacted civil partnership legislation, and brought about gender parity electoral reforms.

The Gauche Plurielle was thought to be an unprecedented success in left-wing coalition building, and the government was thought to be one of the most productive in terms of positive social change that France has had in recent years.

The Gauche Plurielle was especially popular in the large urbanised areas, particularly Paris and Lyon, and  was particularly popular amongst trade unionists, industrial workers and students.

The Gauch Plurielle eventually lost power due to economic slowdown, lack of agreement over certain policies, problems of disunity, and and various other political complications.