Social anger reaches unprecedented levels

At the end of 2026, social anger has reached a level rarely matched, driven by worsening consequences of the climate crisis and a deteriorating education system, according to multiple reports. Youth have risen to protest against these issues, highlighting a closed future and the impact of unjust policies implemented by successive governments.

Struggling with basic needs

As fuel, food, and housing prices continue to rise, many people are struggling to meet basic needs, choosing between heating, eating, moving, or receiving medical care. Inequalities are deepening, largely due to fiscal, budgetary, and economic choices over the last ten years that have favored the ultra-rich and large corporations.

Corporate profits vs. rising poverty

While the profits of companies in the CAC 40 and dividend distributions reach records, the poverty rate is at its highest historical level. The reasons for the youth's anger are legitimate, as stated by several sources. Budget discussions are centered on an unfair budget proposal that would further impoverish the working class and suffocate public services that already suffer from chronic underfunding.

Climate inaction and repression

The monstrous fires this summer have dramatically illustrated the inaction regarding climate change and the consequences of budget austerity on the means available to firefighters. The government is not the only one proposing this unjust austerity policy as the only horizon: the RN is outdoing itself in the destruction of public services. Marine Le Pen announced a "radical effort" of 140 billion euros in savings by 2032 if the far-right party came to power.

Youth mobilization and government response

In this context, the youth mobilization has taken up the mantle of the massive mobilizations of recent years for social and environmental justice and public freedoms. It expresses the same message: indignation at the worsening living conditions, fear of the future, and hope for alternatives of fiscal, social, and environmental justice. However, the government has chosen all-out repression to suppress the movement initiated by youth.

Authoritarian shift and media bias

This repressive response is based on media coverage that stigmatizes protesters and carefully omits to recall the true causes and aspirations of this movement. There is an authoritarian shift that goes hand in hand with the government's persistent refusal to take responsibility for its record and to question its unjust policy in favor of the wealthy.

False narratives and emergency measures

Worse, it multiplies lies and manipulations to make its failure seem to be the responsibility of a "ultra-left" fantasy, if not the entire social and environmental progress camp. It is implementing an emergency state that does not name it and plans for the military's intervention in the streets. This choice is irresponsible and dangerous for democracy and for the physical integrity of those who defend it within the framework of these mobilizations.

Calls for justice and action

The situation is neither a fate nor an injustice that we should accept in silence. The youth movement expresses the refusal of the rise in inequalities, fiscal injustice, and climate inaction, but also a hope for change. The proposals made by this movement must be heard: public services must be strengthened to ensure equitable access to education, health, housing, and transportation.

Urgent demands and signatories

It is necessary to implement fiscal justice measures to fund these urgencies, public action, and necessary investments to address the climate, energy, environmental, social, economic, and democratic challenges. First signatories include Raphaël Pradeau and Youlie Yamamoto, spokespersons for Attac, Eloïse Lefebvre Milon, general secretary of the Student Union, and many others, as listed on the Attac website.