Head to the La Chapelle district in Andrézieux Bouthéon, a small town located about ten kilometers from Saint-Etienne (Loire). Aïcha, Slimane, Malik and Zaïnoudine are between 18 and 21 years old and are facilitators at the socio-cultural center Le Nelumbo. They are not all certain of going to vote in the presidential election. Often caricatured, they would like the way we talk about “young people from the suburbs” to change.
Because they live in a popular neighborhood, Aïcha, Slimane, Zaïnoudine and Malik all have the impression of being victims of prejudice at one time. Slimane, 20, was born in Algeria. “We sometimes hear it said that we are not very good young people… If we get to know each other, we immediately understand that it is the opposite. That might be the big point to improve in the company.“
Same observation for Zaïnoudine, 21, born in Mayotte. “Apparently, I see that I am put aside. When you see the work that I do, the relationships change. It’s today’s society that makes us where we are.“
On the political side, the results are mixed. While they all recognize the importance of voting and politics, they are not all sure to vote in April. Slimane, 20, admits not being interested in politics. “There’s nothing that makes me want to care“, says Slimane. “Unfortunately, I don’t vote, although voting is still important“, he concedes paradoxically. “For me to react, there really would have to be a bad person elected“, explains the young animator. “There, maybe I would really react.“
“I never really paid attention to that world.”
Born in Italy and arrived in France recently, Aïcha, 21, cannot yet vote because she is in the process of applying for her French nationality. “I’m not voting yet but I know it’s very important for our future and to give our opinion. Otherwise we can’t complain…“
If it is abstention that dominates in working-class neighborhoods, the left is losing ground, according to a poll carried out by the IFOP last January. According to the survey, only one out of three inhabitants of working-class neighborhoods is preparing to vote for a left-wing candidate.
Malik wants to vote. “I intend to vote. If we don’t vote for a good president, we’re the ones who will pick up“. The 18-year-old in civic service admits to not being interested in politics but he tries to make an effort. “I listen to what is on television.“
“There are a lot of candidates who are against gender diversity.”
Zaïnoudine, 21, already knows who he is going to vote for. “It will be for Jean-Luc Mélenchon“, he said, looking for his name. “He has good ideas. It would be nice if he got elected.“
If they had one thing to ask politicians it would be to “do not judge” for Slimane, “that everyone is equal“for Malik,”that everyone can succeed no matter what“for Aïcha. Zaïnoudine would like to be able to”keep this diversity and this sense of sharing that unfortunately some people want to eliminate.“