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The Revolt of the French Underclass
The anger that burst onto the streets of France over the past two weeks has focused world attention on the deep divisions in French society, the growing disparities in wealth and opportunity, the lack of political representation of ethnic minorities and the acute sense of discrimination felt by those of Arab and North African descent. The fear in Europe that the riots would cross French borders is also indicative of an awareness that these are not just French problems but may apply in other parts of Europe too. This a challenge that those forces advocating an egalitarian, inclusive and democratic Europe must embrace.
- Praful Bidwai Why Integration Can't Work Khaleej Times, 13 November 2005
- Boris Kagarlitsky A Return of the Proletariat The Moscow Times, 10 November 2005
The riots in France have nothing to do with Islam, as some Russian media want us to believe, writes Kagarlitsky. Just like the proletariat of the mid-19th century, today's working poor, if they find work, have few rights, no native country and nothing to lose but their chains. The only way to solve the problems of the proletariat is to change society, a point made more than a century ago by an immigrant living in London: Karl Marx.
- Naima Bouteldja Explosion in the Suburbs The Guardian, 7 November 2005
The riots now sweeping France are the product of years of racism, poverty and police brutality, argues Bouteldja.
- Praful Bidwai France explodes the uniformity myth Frontline, 5 November 2005
The violence in France highlights the horrific exclusion and alienation among ethnic minorities bred by the smothering of ethnic-cultural diversity to promote national integration. It should open a global debate on citizenship and multiculturalism.
- Hilary Wainwright A New Left Turn for Europe The Guardian, 2 November 2005
Members of a pan-European party - The European Left Party - are optimistic they can create a new political identity for the left. The common line that emerged at their recent congress in Athens, hosted by the Greek new left party Synaspismos, is a commitment to the renewal of the left and to the idea of a common European strategy. Hilary Wainwright reports from the congress.
- Gemma Galdón Ceuta and Melilla: Europe's Wall of Shame Red Pepper, November 2005
The best representation of "Fortress Europe" is a several metre high fence that separates Morocco from Melilla, a Spanish territory on the North African coast. The fence is intended to prevent African immigrants coming to Europe. Gemma Galdón reports on EU-Moroccan co-operation in policing the Southern European border.
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