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.
After workers returned to their jobs, Prime Minister Georges Pompidou rallied support for "defense of the Republic" against communist influence, urging a silent majority to speak out. The Left was divided, with Communists accusing François Mitterrand of neglecting consultation and forming a provisional government led by Pierre Mendès-France.