Prime Minister Georges Pompidou on the requisition order in the mines to avoid gas and electricity restrictions

Prime Minister Georges Pompidou on the requisition order in the mines to avoid gas and electricity restrictions

Interview of journalist François de La Grange with French Prime Minister Georges Pompidou justifying his order to requisition striking workers in the mines to avoid gas and electricity restrictions for all French, a decrease in heating in factories, offices and hospitals. "The right to strike is recognized by the government, but the requisition was not specifically directed against the miners: the strike was directed against the whole country, the requisition took a collective character... Coal stocks are non-existent: this threatens the country’s economy. The gas may be rationed. There will be repercussions on hospitals, clinics, schools, etc... This can go as far as lowering the standard of living of the French. Minors do not have to take on such a responsibility.

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File : Shortages and rationing

Publication date : 8 March 1963