Riots in France – Sociologist: “Young people have lost confidence in the state” – News

Around a third of those arrested in the riots in France are minors. The looting and vandalism comes mainly from young people. The relationship between youth and the state is literally in ruins, and not just since the recent riots.

The anger of young people is currently exploding on the streets of France. Just like in L’Haÿ-les-Roses. Young people tried to tear down the specially erected safety gates in front of the town hall on Friday night.

A traumatic experience for the mayor: “I was in my office. In my 39 years of living here, I’ve never been more scared than that night,” said Vincent Jeanbrun, Mayor of L’Haÿ-les-Roses.

But it gets even worse: Last night, mostly young rioters drove a car into the mayor’s house and then set the vehicle on fire. His wife and son are later injured. The perpetrators are now facing charges of attempted murder.

Instead of cracking down, the government needs to listen more.

Today Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne visited the Paris suburb. “Attacks like these – on elected officials and public buildings such as city halls and police stations – are unacceptable. The government will not rest until public order is restored,” she said.

Sociologist: “Loss of trust in the state”

But where does this anger against everything that represents the state come from? The well-known sociologist Dominique Wolton sees a revolt behind the violent explosion of the past few nights. “Instead of taking tough action, the government needs to listen more,” says Wolton. “It’s clear that the president sometimes has to make unpopular decisions, but you can’t turn a deaf ear to people’s problems. The violence also expresses a deep-seated loss of trust in the state.”

Many young people, especially in the banlieues, felt they were being treated unfairly. Because her parents have also lost faith in the state, says Wolton. The uprising of the youth will occupy France for a long time.