Social unrest ahead of French elections: Protesters ‘don’t believe politics can achieve anything’

France’s 1.6% minimum-wage increase, introduced in response to countrywide protests, may ease unrest temporarily but is unlikely to resolve the country’s deeper political crisis. Economist Renaud Foucart argues that the demonstrations reflect a wider loss of confidence in politics and its ability to bring about change.

The protests come amid concerns about declining purchasing power, fiscal constraints and the limits of a minority government. Foucart says people are taking to the streets because they do not believe political action can achieve anything, with demonstrations continuing ahead of the presidential election.