Politics · France · 1 hr ago
Medef chief says young people in France lack support as student protests grow
Medef president Patrick Martin says young people in France lack support as high school students prepare another day of demonstrations, backed by university students.
He said the young are not sufficiently valued, helped or accompanied by public policy and society.
Martin also said the protests do not help France’s image, while acknowledging that the movement is real.
He pointed to differences with nearby countries, saying youth unemployment is seven times lower in Switzerland and youth employment is three times higher in the Netherlands.
He argued that improving young people’s prospects could ease wider social and economic problems in France.
Martin said public debate focuses heavily on pensions and older people, while young people receive too little attention despite representing the country’s future.
The demonstrations were due to continue on the day of his remarks, but no further developments were specified.
Medef president Patrick Martin said young people in France are not sufficiently valued, helped or supported.
He spoke on France Culture on 13 October, as another day of high-school student protests backed by university students was beginning.
Martin said the protests do not contribute to France’s positive image, while acknowledging that the movement exists.
He cited differences in youth employment and unemployment between France and neighbouring countries, including Switzerland and the Netherlands.
He said greater attention to young people could help address wider social, economic and territorial problems.
- Who
- Patrick Martin, president of the Medef, France’s employers’ organisation.
- What
- He said young people in France are not sufficiently valued, helped or supported, and commented on student protests.
- When
- 13 October 2026, as another day of mobilisation was beginning.
- Where
- France; Martin spoke on France Culture.
- Why
- He said young people receive too little attention in public policy and public debate, despite their importance to the country’s future.
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- Speaker
- Patrick Martin
- Role
- President of the Medef
- Broadcast outlet
- France Culture
- Date
- 13 October 2026
- Comparison
- Martin said Switzerland has seven times fewer young people unemployed than France.
- Comparison
- Martin said the Netherlands has three times more young people in employment than France.
What people are saying
la jeunesse n'est pas suffisamment considérée, elle n'est pas suffisamment aidée, elle n'est pas suffisamment accompagnée
ne contribue pas à la bonne image de la France
Sources
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