Report on the program of social reforms developed in 1944 by the National Council of Resistance, entitled "Happy Days". At the Liberation, Charles de Gaulle announced in his turn the nationalization of banks and insurance, stating that the general interest should take precedence. Guy KRIVOPISSKO, curator of the Museum of National Resistance and Laurent DOUZOU, historian, give details of the main social advances of this "Welfare State" which created a broad solidarity and a framework in which our society still lives. Illustration by archive images.
Living conditions were difficult for many elderly people in the harsh winter of 1945. This subject is outraged that French people who have worked all their lives, fought during the Great War, gave up their sons during this last war, suffer in addition the rigours of winter, poverty, the promiscuity of the hospice, the soup kitchen, the endless queues to get some coal and some food. They deserve comfort and rest in this last part of life. Society must offer them a retirement funded by the work of all.
On the occasion of the re-edition of the program of the National Council of Resistance adopted in March 1944, under the title "Happy Days, praise of the Resistance to the use of young generations", Claude CHERMAIN, at the origin of this initiative, shows that this text was very social. Some of the commitments of the time were not honoured... He also thinks that the personal ambitions of politicians sometimes kill the collective dimension.
On March 15, 1944, the National Council of Resistance published its program: a real social bet on education, retirement, health and that served as the basis for all post-war politics. This plan included a military component to liberate France and a social component to rebuild it. Today, we are preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this program that we called "Happy Days". Interview with Jean-Pierre CLAUSSE, President ATTAC 87.
On March 15, 1944, the National Council of Resistance published its program: a real social bet on education, retirement, health and that served as the basis for all post-war politics. This plan included a military component to liberate France and a social component to rebuild it. Today, we are preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this program that we called "Happy Days". Interview with Pascal PLAS, historian, University of Limoges.