Post #224316 by Kono on Fri, Mar 31, 2006 6:34 PM

Here's a nice little synopsis (IMHO) of the forces at play as I understand them:

http://econblog.aplia.com/2006/01/youth-unemployment-in-france.html

I'm not familar with this blog, I just googled it. The info fits with what I've been reading in online newspaper articles (didn't save any links). It notes that "youth" unemployment in France is currently at about 23%(!!!) and (this is important) even higher among immigrant populations. I don't know their definition of "youth" but I'm guessing "under 30" or "under 25."

The intent of the law is, theoretically at least, to make employers less apprehensive in hiring "youths." I think (purely speculation on my part) that a large part of the intent behind this change in law is to make employers less reluctant to hire the young people of the immigrant communities from Algeria and Morocco etc and thus promote better assimilation of these young people into French society.

The rioting gangs that burned cars and made CNN last fall were primarily composed of youths from these immigrant suburbs. I think the term "disenfranchised" would fit them to a "T". Apparently, many of these same "gangs" are actually attacking and molesting the student demonstrators:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=684402

I personally doubt that the attacks by gangs on student demonstrators is due to idealogical differences re: the proposed changes in law; which would actually make some level of sense. Its more likely just an instance of exploiting the chaos to engage in hooliganism and criminal behavior.

My 2 non-political cents.