🖋Hugh Scofield BBC in Paris

All of France’s leaders know very well that they must take one principle seriously: the presence of protesting youth on the streets means trouble.

Since the student protests of May 1968, which Charles de Gaulle described with the famous term “chénille,” meaning “chaos,” French governments have consistently feared confronting angry young people.

Why? Because youth movements are unpredictable and lack a clear structure, and often do not have a well-defined organization that one can negotiate with. Because when they protest, other groups also join the protests.

Another reason is that, owing to the young age of the demonstrators, public opinion usually sympathizes with them. Also, if the police make a mistake and causes an injury—or something worse—the consequences will be incalculable. On the other hand, only a few months remain until the presidential election.

📸 AFP via Getty Images