The Paris Commune. Monday, May 1, 1871. After a very heated debate lasting several days, the decision was made to create a "Comité de salut public" (Committee of Public Safety) composed of five members. This committee will have power over all other bodies, centralizing decisions. It is considered essential to speed up activities, take urgent measures, and above all to be more effective in conducting the defense of Paris. Many elected Communards, supporters of direct democracy, see this Committee as a potential, if not actual, dictatorship thinly disguised. In the vote on this measure, it was confirmed that within the Paris Commune there exists a majority and a minority.
