Des jeunes pour un avenir meilleur

Mass protests erupted in France and several other European nations over the past few days, initially driven by high school students demanding improved educational conditions. While these demonstrations began peacefully, violence and looting quickly overshadowed the original grievances in many locations. Observers note that the unrest has been marked by destruction of property and clashes with authorities, yet the underlying motivations remain rooted in youth anxiety regarding their future prospects. The initial spark was a call for better schooling environments. However, the movement expanded rapidly as young people expressed broader dissatisfaction with economic instability and social exclusion. A mother of two teenagers, speaking to local media, described the current climate as resembling a time bomb with a shrinking fuse. She argued that while older generations often seek to preserve the status quo, younger cohorts focus on a future that appears increasingly uncertain. This uncertainty stems from issues ranging from climate change and military spending to job insecurity caused by artificial intelligence and unaffordable housing. In Slovenia, similar sentiments are gaining traction among the youth. Local commentators point out that housing has become increasingly inaccessible for young adults, while entry-level employment remains precarious. The education system is frequently criticized for prioritizing grades over genuine learning and creativity. Consequently, many young people feel their voices are ignored. Experts warn that if this frustration escalates into anger, it could lead to street protests similar to those seen elsewhere in Europe. They emphasize that peace cannot be maintained solely through police cordons but requires trust, fairness, and a sense that society does not leave anyone behind. British sociologist Ken Robertson outlines five long-term destructive trends for society related to youth unemployment. First, young people fail to find jobs. Second, they cannot achieve independence due to lack of income. Third, without regular earnings, they cannot pay taxes. Fourth, financial instability prevents them from starting families. Fifth, they are excluded from broader social life. Robertson argues that blaming young people for these structural failures is short-sighted and unjust. Older generations, who largely secured stable employment during previous decades, often dismiss current struggles by claiming there is plenty of work available if one simply looks hard enough. This perspective ignores the reality that decent jobs capable of supporting a dignified life are scarce. Critics of the older generation’s stance argue that such views are self-serving and contradict sociological facts. There is a tendency among retirees to judge today’s youth by the values of their own youth, suggesting that if young people were as frugal and hardworking as previous generations, they would have everything they need. This comparison fails to account for massive cultural shifts. Furthermore, the expectation that all young people should be innovative entrepreneurs succeeding in global markets is unrealistic. Such demands apply realistically to less than one percent of the population. Extending this standard to everyone sets impossible expectations. Looking ahead, Norwegian business leader Silvija Seres predicts that by 2050, most current jobs will cease to exist, replaced by new roles. Digitalization is driving polarization in labor organization and income distribution, favoring winners who capture all gains. This trend intensifies Darwinian competition. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence is altering concepts of privacy and anthropology itself, raising questions about what it means to be human in the fifth industrial revolution. The shift begins with language, changing how we define our existence. As technology reshapes the workforce, the gap between those who adapt and those left behind widens, fueling the discontent currently visible in streets across Europe. The challenge for policymakers is to address these existential threats before they trigger further social upheaval.