While the workers returned to their jobs, Prime Minister Georges Pompidou campaigned for the "defence of the Republic" in the face of the "communist threat" and called for the "silent majority" to make themselves heard. The Left was divided. The Communists reproached the Federation of the Democratic and Socialist Left (FGDS) leader François Mitterrand for not having consulted it before he announced his candidacy in the next presidential election, and for the formation of a provisional government led by Pierre Mendès-France.
While workers resumed their duties, Prime Minister Georges Pompidou advocated for "defense of the Republic" against the "communist threat," urging a silent majority to voice its opinion. The Left was divided. Communists criticized the leader of the Democratic and Socialist Left (FGDS), François Mitterrand, for failing to consult them before announcing his presidential candidacy and for forming a provisional government led by Pierre Mendès-France.