What's Really Happening in France

I just returned from Paris, where I spent four days with the leaders of the student movement against the new employment law. I got a bird's eye view of the whole operation, and I'd like to clarify a few things that the mainstream media has gotten completely wrong.

** This was not a violent protest: The headline of the AP's report from yesterday was "Latest Paris Demonstration Turns Violent." It is hard for me to express how little this headline represents what actually happened. I did not see one single instance of violence throughout the entire 7-hour march. The vast majority of the violence that did occur happened after the march when people were dispersing and violent kids (aka casseurs)-- who were for the most part entirely apolitical-- appeared to wreak havoc.

These kids had nothing to do with the movement; they just wanted to smash things and clash with the police. Unfortunately, the violence-obsessed media has made them half of the story, when they are not even one-hundredth of the story. The story is that one million young people took to the streets to fight for their future.

** The movement is not a white, middle-class movement: The MSM, especially the Times, has painted these kids as uppity, white college students protecting their own interests. This is not the case at all. The kids from the suburbs-- who are largely poor black and Arab kids-- were out in full force. I have never seen a protest movement in the US that was even marginally as diverse as this protest.

** This is not frivolous movement: Almost every article I've read in the US press says something along the lines of "Oh, the French and their silly protests." Many papers have created the impression that the youth are just using an excuse to skip school and drink beer on the streets. Again, not the case at all. Almost without exception, the kids I spoke to were extremely intelligent, deeply knowledgable about the CPE law, French unemployment, and well-versed in economics. They are not protesting "for the hell of it"-- they are on the streets because they feel that the government is stripping them of their rights and their dignity. They are incensed that the French government is creating laws that will dictate their futures without consulting them at all. Additionally, the entire operation was extremely well-coordinated and every move has been thought out in advance. These kids know what they are doing, and they are deeply serious about it.

Comments (21)

1. "reak havok"? I bet those French kids can spell.

   Posted by somecat at 04/06/2006 @ 11:03am

2. Not surprised at the misinformation provided by the MSM. They have become experts at misinformation. More power to the French youth. Nice to see them involved in political affairs especially when it concerns them and their well-being. Sam, has it had any effect up to this point?

   Posted by k330k at 04/06/2006 @ 11:51am

3. I totally agree with this post's take on the form of the protests. The substance of the protestors' argument is questionable, however.

   One of the reasons France has almost double-digit employement overall and 23% unemployment among the young is because it is so hard to fire anyone in France. However, companies are not likely to create permanent jobs if firing people is so difficult. Further, the window for at-will firing is only two years.

   It's interesting to note that most of the students apparently want a permanent job in government once they graduate; they are living in a pipe dream. The end result if CPE is defeated is that employers will continue to only use short-term contracts, perpetuating the very insecurity that the students are protesting against.

   Posted by brunowe at 04/06/2006 @ 12:07pm

4. Aside from Cynthia McKinney hitting a security officer, a week after the Democrats lay out their "new domestic security agenda"....

   I can think of NOTHING more ironic in the last month than French youths living in the much-ballywho'ed land of "European social democracy" whose health care, education, AND social welfare net WE are supposed to emulate....protesting for the right to have GUARENTEED employment, even as Franch reels from such policies.

   Is there ANY way now, that somebody on the Left is going to say "Let's do (insert social/economic policy here), they do it in France", again?

   Posted by Mask at 04/06/2006 @ 12:07pm

5. sorry 'bout the spelling error... it's been corrected. still a bit jetlagged!

   as for K33OK's question: it has absolutely had an impact. Chirac has already dramatically reduced the severity of the law in order to compromise with the students. yet, the students say they will continue to shut down schools and flood the streets until the law is completely withdrawn. i have a feeling some form of the law will stay, but that student leaders will be invited to shape the law in such a way that their interests aren't completely marginalized.

   Posted by samgf at 04/06/2006 @ 12:10pm

6. ZERO - I didn't know you attended protests! Were these government protests, trying to protect our liberties and avoid war? Or, were you protesting at abortion clinics hoping to further restrict the freedoms of your American neighbor?

   Posted by BECAUSEISAYSO at 04/06/2006 @ 12:33pm

7. Mask:

   I disagree with you a bit here(although not with the "social democracy" part. There, you were spot on, old chap). If my interpretation is correct, the French were making moves (however small) towards a more free market system, something that I would applaud and encourage as it would eventually lead to an improved economy. However, the young'uns are a bit miffed because the law affects only THEM, and not the "lazy" older workers already with job security. From what I have read, the younger workers would have been more accepting of the law if it applied to all workers.

   To be honest, I can't say that I wouldn't be out there with them if I were in the same boat.

   Posted by usc1 at 04/06/2006 @ 12:56pm

8. I am a 32-year-old French student (I need to pass an exam to become a teacher). From my point of view, the article "What's Really Happening in France" very accurately exposes the facts.

   I would like to add a few points.

   First, even in France the mainstream media is focusing on violence when it could try to analyse the links between the protests againt the iniquitous CPE law and last autumn's insurrection in the suburbs which broke out because of deep-rooted social, geographical segregation.

   Second, as, according to the polls, a majority of the public opinion is against the CPE law, one should wonder what kind of society people strive for. That is, should flexibility bypass labor law? Or should one ever protect (if not strengthen) social benefits and THEN reform labor law to ease employment?

   I think those two points are central to the debate.

   Finally, even if it has not yet been revealed, there might have a strong tie with the current international situation. People are seek and tired, here too, with the realpolitik wich imposes to the electorate DOUBLE-STANDARD domestic and foreign policies, IN ALL DOMAINS. If it was the case, don't you think it might have something to do with the recent huge demonstrations againt immigration law in the US?

   Posted by yann at 04/06/2006 @ 1:33pm

9. The ruling powers in every nation will attempt to distort the message of dissenting groups. Consider the press attention focused on the demonstrators in Seattle in 1999 (WTO meetings). These people were represented by all facets of society: teachers/professors, students, union members, environmental groups, human rights advocates, farmers, etc. The police initiated violence and a small minority obliged- by damaging some property and material possessions-which then became the lead story. Also significant was the elite media portraying the demonstrators as "isolationists" or "anti-trade," a distorted and inaccurate depiction of educated citizens asking for all of society to be represented in our trade deals, as opposed to just including those powerful enough to buy out our politicians.

   Yes, the French, like most of Europe, are more educated in regards to political and economic affairs and this is real democracy in action. Not the crap espoused here by the conservative idiots who claim that democracy is only significant in November; so bug off if your party loses an election. Even liberals in the U.S. are lethargic. I believe that Nader accurately described many as being content to let others know they are smart enough to "know the truth" (they are proud of this), but not really motivated to do a whole lot about it. How many Americans are even aware of the legislation being passed by their representatives; the likes of which will profoundly affect their lives? I wish we had a more concerned and educated society. Though, I do believe that Bush and his cronies are shaking many from their apathetic cocoons.

   Posted by Oustbush at 04/06/2006 @ 2:28pm

10. The more the conflict grows up the more the gap between the "two Frances" emerges. Demands have widened from anti-CPE law slogans to stronger denunciation of the government's social policies as a whole. Unions and the opposition parties may even seek to engage in a battle to counterpunch the antisocial "reforms" that have been passed for the past two years (pensions, apprenticeship for kids who failed school at the age of 14, AND SO ON). To sum up, the crisis may deepen if the law is not retracted. And if it is abrogated, it will undoubtedly create a precedent that will last for a long time. Some already dub it "the French spring". Don't Americans leave on the same hemisphere as in France?

    Posted by yann at 04/06/2006 @ 3:29pm

11. Tsk tsk. Such a mystery, and one in which the meanderings of mainstream political commentators will have no impact whatsoever. Pay attention to the same problems here at home, gents. Big transit strike on the way in Colorado, another one in Chicago, an unresolved public transit struggle in New York, immigrant labor on the rise and finding allies in the labor movement, an unpopular war, a government that can barely govern opposed by an opposition that can barely oppose, growing numbers alienated by a system that triages entire cities for the sake of profit, town councils voting for withdrawal from the war, oh my, yes. There are great days ahead for this country. France is only giving a preview of what's coming right here at home. Count on it. Quiet, effective work everywhere. All things in time.

    Posted by Sweetdaddy at 04/06/2006 @ 3:47pm

12. I do agree that the protests are far more nuanced than the American media presentation, but most of the comments here miss the real (and paranoid) point. This really is just one more story to discredit any idea that might be liberal like buisness resposibility to its employees, or other European protests against all things American.

    Posted by scari at 04/06/2006 @ 3:48pm

13. Uh, oh indeed Zero. It seem sthe other shoe has proverbially dropped. I can't wait to hear the response from LL, CPT, LIBZSUK, and the like. Sorry to go off topic but I had to comment.

    Posted by k330k at 04/06/2006 @ 4:01pm

14. Rioting seems to be the national past-time in France. Is it possible for me to purchase season tickets?

    Posted by Zeddmen at 04/06/2006 @ 10:28pm

15. First I apologize for my english. I'm one of those french students. I juste want to add few things : the CPE is for young peopple but "old" people has exactly the same : the CNE. We want to study but what happens today in France makes us sacrifying time. We don't want,We HAVE to do that. I now that in USA, work is hard, earn money is difficult et jobs are not safe. But her we want to keep our rights in work, we want to live with dignity. But here so as in USA lot of people live in street and can't eat... We have more help and rights, don't say "they have too much", say "we want the same and more..."

    Posted by manze at 04/07/2006 @ 09:18am

16. Somebody above implies that employers will continue to use short term contracts (under which there is 23% unemployment) and that 2 year trial period contracts seemingly would reverse that. I don't get it. With short term contracts, there is 23% unemployment, but with 2-year contracts, this will change. If short term contracts can't do it, how are the CPE conditions going to change this? If someone is employed under these short term contracts and is found to be employable, wouldn't they get hired long term? That is even with short term workers, if some are good, wouldn't the company hire them?

    Posted by caesara at 04/07/2006 @ 1:02pm

17. In my opinion, the economic problems confronting France will never get solved as long as the government fails to make effective reforms of the "French social model." They are placing the entire burden of what is a national problem on the backs of the youngsters.

    Nothing of significance can happen in France until the government forces everyone to make the connection between six weeks vacation, 70% unemployment insurance, etc. and the hideous unemployment rates, 25% for young workers across the board and upwards of 50% for the second and third generation children of post-1960 immigrants.

    Posted by kdonow at 04/07/2006 @ 2:28pm

18. I would like to make some things clear.

    A important part of the workers in France are working on limited term contracts (CDD). They do not have incredible job security.

    The CPE is more flexible than the CDD. Therefore, young people are going to replace that part of the workforce. The under-26 are going to be, as a legally defined group, the reservoir of interim workers.

    There is not going to be any job creation, but the youth, of which I am, are going to be increasingly marginalized. Without a stable job, we will have to stay at our parents, without the possibility of becoming independant (no flats, no loans). We are derided by the current elites as "irresponsibles".

    Our politicians are professionnal conniving bastards, completely unaware of realities of the common man. They rule not as the representatives of democracy, but as pseudo-enlightened despots. They are used to lie, directly or by omission.

    They cannot imagine that work relations should be determined by the negociations between trade unions and employers. They have prevented such negociations and discredited the unions, accusing them of being partisan and conservative.

    In the meantime, they squander and embezzle public funds and favor crnoy capitalism.

    We are not conservatives defending the status quo. We want to take our part in democracy with honesty and dignity.

    We are not anti-trade or anti-liberals. We admit that companies are out there to reap profits, but we do not want to see our fate be decided by corporate governance, but by democracy.

    We are aware of the great benefits that globalization brings to all. But we also see that companies have adapted faster than political movements, and that their action is bringing great inequalities. Prices are rising, wages are stagnating,enumployment is rising, confidence is sagging ; the salaries of top decision-makers have tripled, so have dividends, to almost obscene heights.

    We are fed up with our political establishment, who see us as consumers or electors when they need us, but as mere rabble when we dare ask to participate. We are fed up with our institutions, that protects conservatives.

    We want to protect our civil liberties, badly threatened by Sarkozy's freedom-restricting laws. We want to fight for more social justice. We want freedom from want. We denounce the exploitation of poor countries by companies that do not want to play by the rules edicted by democracies.

    We are rising to overthrow them.

    Come the hurricane.

    Elias (law and economics student, Paris X Nanterre)

    Posted by Elias at 04/07/2006 @ 2:57pm

19. I find it very interesting that several well reasoned posts here seem to miss the point, and this is only an obervation. Our "capitalism" buisness model has not been given to us by God, or Adam Smith for that matter. It is within the people's power and rights to demand, and yes protest for, what they want from their employers. It is not just being French, or young, or ignorant, or European, but human. Many of these posts have the basic paradigm of the American work ethic myth at their core. More of us should realize that there is a way other than the "American" one. Read "People or Profit" for that matter. It is almost sad to see.

    Posted by scari at 04/07/2006 @ 5:18pm

20. Quiet well summed up Elias!

    The governing party has just said it may propose a new bill by Monday to replace the CPE-law, this time based on unions and students' demands. Let us wait and see if it is acceptable... Otherwise, for sure, the struggle will continue. Furthermore, as Elias noted it, the domestic social issue should not be apprenhended out of the international one. I do not remember who said: "Utopy is just what has not been experimented yet".

    Posted by yann at 04/07/2006 @ 5:54pm

21. France is running a trade surplus while the dynamic US economy is running a trade deficit. And speaking of dynamic, French productivity figures are higher than US figures. By some measures the French economy is doing better than the US economy, plus working in France sounds a lot better than working in the US. Believe it or not, not all of us believe that we are required by God to serve the interests of capital.

    Posted by jmnelson at 04/08/2006 @ 12:59am