The Revolt of the Unemployed
For the first time in France, the unemployed organise and break the wall of silence. They make their cry of despair heard. It is an important event, a chance for society.
I am happy to participate in their Parisian demonstration. The crowd takes up the slogans: "He who sows misery, reaps anger", "We declare war on Misery", "We do not want crumbs".
When the unemployed stand up, speak out, challenge those responsible, the people in power worry and are obligated to act. As long as the unemployed remain isolated and obedient, the powers that be have nothing to fear. Passivity does not appear as a threat.
But the day has come when the excluded refuse the fatality of misery. To exist, they act. They break their silence. Their anger makes them stand up. I dream about the sans-papier (illegal immigrants) who managed to make the government act and mobilised opinion. I find the same determination and pride in the struggle among the unemployed, even if they still are not numerous. Those who had the courage to come out of their homes, want to take control of their future. Perhaps the others, in their turn, will dare to follow the way.
The demonstration arrives in front of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The unemployed, visibly tired and emaciated, speak out. Their anger is beautiful, with an emphasis on truth which touches me. They do not want to survive, but to LIVE. The cry out for dignity. They need to be recognised.
In a country which is growing wealthy, ever larger inequalities become
intolerable. We are in a society which makes profits but which does not
know how to share. That is exactly the drama. Do those who are politically
responsible and the employers hear the cry of the unemployed? Meanwhile,
I am happy to learn that two of three Frenchman/Frenchwoman find the action
of the unemployed movement justified.
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org
