A family in Besançon has become a symbol of the frustration felt by some working-class people in France. Different members of the family have taken part in protests over the years, from the Yellow Vest movement to recent demonstrations led by students. Their experiences show how concerns about education, work and the cost of living can pass between generations.
Léo, 19, has become involved in student protests. His concerns include the state of schools and the university admission system, which many young people find difficult to understand. He believes that young people need a stronger voice in decisions that shape their future. His involvement reflects a wider feeling among students that the current system does not always give them fair opportunities.
His stepfather, Frédéric, has a long history of union activism and has attended demonstrations for years. He and Léo’s mother work in education as maintenance staff. Their modest incomes make rising prices and reduced public services immediate concerns rather than distant political issues. For the family, the debate is tied to everyday life, including work, housing and the support available to schools.
Another family member, Kilian, has faced changes in employment after losing a technology job to artificial intelligence. His experience points to another source of uncertainty for workers: new technology can create opportunities, but it can also change jobs faster than people can adapt. Workers who feel insecure may find it difficult to trust promises of future growth when their own livelihoods are at risk.
The family’s views are not identical. Some still hope that public action can bring change, while others feel more doubtful after years of protest. Yet their shared experience connects social issues that are often discussed separately. Education, job security and public services can all affect a family’s sense of fairness and future prospects.
Their story helps explain why demonstrations continue to attract people from different age groups. For many, protest is not only about a single policy. It is also a way to express the feeling that ordinary people need to be heard when governments make decisions about the economy and public life.
