A Cracking Façade: France’s Disillusioned Youth

This September, the streets of France erupted in protest as citizens across the country challenged the government’s proposed €44 billion austerity package. The plan — initially to reduce national debt — included pension freezes, cuts to public spending, and the elimination of two public holidays. For ordinary citizens, particularly the youth, this was seen as yet another blow in a long series of fiscal  pressures. In August, youth unemployment in France stood at 18.1%, significantly higher than the national average, and approximately 15.4% of the population lived below the poverty line (YCharts, Le Monde). For many young people, these protests were not just a matter of policy — they were a symbol of a system that felt increasingly out of reach.

The demonstrations, organized in part through the defiant movement Bloquons Tout (“Block Everything”), spread across the country. Major strikes affected transportation, schools, and public services, while police clashed with demonstrators. While a protest culture is not new to France, for many young people, the chaos meant something deeper: their futures were being made without them. Amidst this turmoil, voices like Ylan’s provide insight into how youth experience the unrest beyond pure headlines.

Far west of France, in the coastal city of Brest, lives 17 year old Ylan. “I think Macron is doing a terrible job running the country and he doesn’t care at all about French citizens,” he says. “He’s been president for almost nine years now and he’s very bad at his job, criticized by everyone. I would not like to take part in a demonstration because demonstrations in France are not peaceful; demonstrators break a lot of things, which is not in line with my values. For me, life in France is very ordinary. I come from a modest family, which struggles because taxes are very high everywhere in France.” His photo is not included in this piece, at his request, out of respect for his privacy.

“I am currently studying international trade so that I can leave France later on, because I don’t see my future here, even though it is a very beautiful country.”

— Ylan, a French youth

Ylan’s feelings are not uncommon, as they reflect a broader trend among young people in France. Most youth feel trapped — they see protests happening around them but are reluctant to participate, either because of safety concerns or a belief that their voices will not change outcomes. Overwhelmed with unemployment, high living costs, and a government perceived as favoring wealthy elites, for young people, hope is becoming increasingly tied to leaving France.

The economic pressures Ylan describes are not abstract — they represent real challenges for students like Ylan, who worry about finding work, achieving independence, and building a lasting future in a country where opportunities are fleeting. The combination of political disillusionment and economic strain fuels the desire to look abroad for education, careers, and a better livelihood.

Ylan’s story demonstrates how France’s crisis is not only about visible street protests, but also about the quieter frustrations of its youth outside Paris. If the demonstrations fade, the disconnected and resigned feelings may still persist. To youth, leaving France may seem like the only path to opportunity. For the country, their departure could be the most impactful of all — a generation of fighting individuals walking away from the nation they love, pursuing a future where their voices can be heard.

To explore ways to empower young people in France and address the challenges of unemployment and poverty, consider the work of Les Compagnons du Devoir, an association that offers apprenticeships and vocational training to youth. They provide access to learning and leadership opportunities in various trades, helping young individuals build a future through skill development. You can also visit the Resource Hub under One of Many’s Take Action tab for more organizations dedicated to advancing education and employment opportunities for young people.