I stumbled upon this after realizing that I’d missed Stewart’s birthday (I’m waiting for his 33 1/3 to celebrate though). Heads down lately, I’ve missed the news that apparently there’s been some crazy shit going on in Paris — at least judging from the photos.
Xyba has an interesting perspective: “French Young people fearing that they may actually have to work for a living have continued their rioting”.
This runs contrary to what photographer Hugo had to say:
The protests of March 18th, all across the country, were joined not only by students but by their families. Unfortunately, as is too often the case, the end of the day was spoiled by 100 to 150 “casseurs” (lit. “breakers”) who provoked the riot police throwing bottles, stones and finally burning down a car.
On March 23rd, a university and college students demonstration also turned even more violent, with various cars and shops burnt, protesters and photographers assaulted and robbed, and the Invalides turned into a battlefield.
After the unrest and riots in the suburbs last year, this is reflecting the growing uneasiness and despair of the youth about the lack of opportunities, and their desillusion towards the politicians.
More than 20% of 18 to 25-year-olds are unemployed (double the national average) and among the poorest communities, it reaches 40%. Half of France’s universities are now under some form of strike or occupation.
Factory Joe 
2 thoughts on “Unrest in French youth”