BREIZH: Emgann Leads Breton Republican Socialist Struggle
By Mary McIlroy
Brittany (Breizh) is the only Celtic nation outside the so-called “British” Isles and is currently occupied by France.
To give a brief history of Brittany, there was a re-Celtification of Brittany from Wales (Cymru) following the Saxon invasions of England and the subsequent push into Wales by Celts. Brittany was independent until 1488 and the Traite d’Union de la Bretagne a la Francein 1532. It was an autonomous region until after the French Revolution and post revolutionary period, with its own parliament, the Etats. However, this joining with France did not mean an end to Breton culture, language or desire to regain independence.
There is a Republican Socialist movement in Brittany, Emgann, formed in 1982. Emgann calls for Breton independence and socialism, and for Breton control of the resources of Brittany, which is sometimes called the “pantry of France.” As a coastal nation, fishing is a major industry in Brittany and there is a strong agricultural base as well. These resources are not utilized for the benefit of the Breton people, however, but for the interest of French state and multinational corporations. As in other Celtic nations, emigration to the colonial capital, especially by youth, is a problem, as are low wages. Tourist Euros are used not for the benefit of the Breton nation, but for France.
Emgann is a political movement, which calls for the re-unification of Brittany and Loire-Atlantique (which collectively make up historic Brittany) and the complete independence of Brittany from France. It calls for the recognition of the distinctiveness of the Breton people and culture. It is also internationalist in outlook; recognizing the Breton struggle as but one of many in the world today.
The armed force for Breton independence is the Breton Republican Army (ARB), which has Emgann members. There are four Emgann members in French prisons convicted of ARB actions, though there was no evidence against these activists. Emgann calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners held by the French state.
Emgann publishes a newspaper, which is called Combat Breton. They also maintain a Web site, which can be found at www.emgann.org
Brittany (Breizh) is the only Celtic nation outside the so-called “British” Isles and is currently occupied by France.
To give a brief history of Brittany, there was a re-Celtification of Brittany from Wales (Cymru) following the Saxon invasions of England and the subsequent push into Wales by Celts. Brittany was independent until 1488 and the Traite d’Union de la Bretagne a la Francein 1532. It was an autonomous region until after the French Revolution and post revolutionary period, with its own parliament, the Etats. However, this joining with France did not mean an end to Breton culture, language or desire to regain independence.
There is a Republican Socialist movement in Brittany, Emgann, formed in 1982. Emgann calls for Breton independence and socialism, and for Breton control of the resources of Brittany, which is sometimes called the “pantry of France.” As a coastal nation, fishing is a major industry in Brittany and there is a strong agricultural base as well. These resources are not utilized for the benefit of the Breton people, however, but for the interest of French state and multinational corporations. As in other Celtic nations, emigration to the colonial capital, especially by youth, is a problem, as are low wages. Tourist Euros are used not for the benefit of the Breton nation, but for France.
Emgann is a political movement, which calls for the re-unification of Brittany and Loire-Atlantique (which collectively make up historic Brittany) and the complete independence of Brittany from France. It calls for the recognition of the distinctiveness of the Breton people and culture. It is also internationalist in outlook; recognizing the Breton struggle as but one of many in the world today.
The armed force for Breton independence is the Breton Republican Army (ARB), which has Emgann members. There are four Emgann members in French prisons convicted of ARB actions, though there was no evidence against these activists. Emgann calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners held by the French state.
Emgann publishes a newspaper, which is called Combat Breton. They also maintain a Web site, which can be found at www.emgann.org