“these fracture lines that exist in our societies are far from being resolved”

The May Day demonstrations were marked by a strong mobilization in several French cities. “It’s very worrying because it tells us that these fault lines that exist in our societies are far from being resolved through mediations, discussions, negotiations. On the one hand, we have a demonstration that is still peppered of violence and on the other hand, legislative elections just after the presidential one which we do not really know where they will lead us”analyzes Michel Wievorka, sociologist and specialist in social movements, author of the book So Mr. Macron, happy? at Rue de Seine editions, guest in the 23h of Franceinfo Sunday May 1st.

The sociologist also returns to the acts of violence that took place during several demonstrations on Sunday May 1. “We should have talked only about pensions, minimum wage, inflation, cost of living, education policy, health policy, all these major themes that make up the social life of our country. What are we left with in the end? Fire, fire without content if I may say so. Fires, violence, assaulted firefighters, etc. We have the image of a problem that is played out between violence and the forces order and no longer a social problem at all”says Michel Wievorka.