92% of young people aged 16 to 20 in France consider the protests of recent weeks fully justified, according to a study by the Centre for Economic Research and its Applications (Cepremap) and HEC Paris. The study is based on interviews with 1,077 young people in this age group.
Political affiliation of respondents
About half of those surveyed said they do not support any political party. The others placed themselves as follows:
- 20% on the far left
- 13% on the far right
- 8.5% on the centre left
- 8.5% on the centre right
Uncertainty about the future
According to the note accompanying the study, the responses suggest the protests were driven less by specific demandsand more by young people’s uncertainty about their future and their belief that democracy in France is not functioning properly.
Nine in ten respondents, whatever their social background, believe the main problem is that the economic pie is not growing. That view is shared by eight in ten of those who identify with the right.
Diverging views on the causes
Most respondents on the far left attribute uncertainty about the future and the failings of democracy mainly to social inequality and the excessive concentration of wealth. These young people take part in the protests and consider confrontation with the police legitimate.
By contrast, most respondents on the far right believe the dangers come mainly from migrants. They do not take part in the protests and attach primary importance to maintaining order.
Source: CNA
