Mass protests, actions against pension reforms, and social discontent in France in recent years have brought political and economic problems back to the agenda. Rising prices, concerns about social security, and distrust in government decisions are cited among the main reasons for the tension in society. Experts believe that ignoring social demands and deepening political polarization could create additional risks for stability in France.
In a statement to Modern.az, Arzukhan Alizade, Deputy Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Milli Majlis, stated that it is incorrect to link the events in France solely to isolated incidents or the activities of certain groups.
According to him, the protests that began with the “Yellow Vests” movement in 2018, the actions against pension reforms in 2023, and the currently observed demonstrations are different stages of the same problem:
“People are dissatisfied with rising prices, concerns about social security, problems in the education sector, and the fact that their views are not taken into account in decision-making. In this regard, it would be incorrect to attribute the events in France solely to isolated incidents or the activities of certain groups.”
The deputy noted that one of the main reasons for the discontent against Emmanuel Macron's government is the insufficient provision of public consensus and social dialogue during reforms. In particular, the increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 was met with serious resistance in society.
“The ‘Yellow Vests’ movement also showed that when economic decisions directly affect people's daily lives and their concerns are not adequately heard, dissatisfaction can turn into a broader form of political protest,” he emphasized.
According to Arzukhan Alizade, the weakening of trust in political institutions in France and the deepening of contradictions between different segments of society strengthen the polarization in the country. He believes that the government's approach to protests solely as a security problem and its relegation of the essence of social demands to the background could complicate the resolution of the crisis.
The deputy also stated that acts of violence, destruction, and disruption of public order during demonstrations are unacceptable. According to him, the main issue is to strike the right balance between protecting public safety and listening to the legitimate grievances of citizens.
“The main challenge facing France is the restoration of trust between the political authority and society. The solution to social problems is not possible only through administrative measures and a strict security approach. For this, the government must genuinely respond to people's concerns about social welfare, education and employment opportunities, and purchasing power, and strengthen public discussions and dialogue in political decision-making.
Otherwise, existing discontent could deepen further, political fragmentation could complicate governance, and increase the risks of long-term instability in the country. What is happening in France once again shows that one of the main conditions for political stability in democratic states is to maintain the trust of society and ensure a sense of social justice,” Arzukhan Alizade concluded.
