For the past five weeks, France has seen revolt and riots rage throughout the country. An estimated 3 million students and workers came together to shut down the Eiffel tower, worry the authorities, and effectively close many schools and universities. Political graffiti filled public space, and chants of outraged citizens - “Mr. Villepin, you are not king” – have made their way to the ears of French leaders.

Due to the overwhelming force of people power, President Chirac recently announced that the French government will drop the controversial law, dubbed CPE (Contrat Premiere Embauche), which would have made it easier for employers to fire workers under 26 who have been employed for less than 2 years.

The French youth used the one democratic process available to them, and the government was forced to listen.

In many countries, including the US, many protestors feel that their noise and numbers are merely symbolic of their discontent and largely ineffective. France has a rich history of revolt as a legitimate form of communication, and the passion that fuels these frustrated masses is fed by past success. The revolutionary spirit has coursed through their veins since the French Revolution, when the masses accomplished the monumental task of emancipating power from an absolute monarch and delivering it to the people.

The current atmosphere of wide-ranging discontent and rebellion most recalls the massive protests of 1968, which eventually caused not only reformed laws but also a regime change.

In May of 1968, several students began to protest an attempted university reform. The situation escalated after the police used violence to control the students, and French workers joined students in a mass protest. Soon, two thirds of the workforce was on strike, and the government effectively lost control of their country. Workers would not have joined the protest if they were happy; France’s unemployment was at a high (as it is now), and wages were very low. The workers were inspired by the students and reminded of their frustration with the current administration. The outlet for this frustration was strike and revolt.

In 1968, the unhappy workers were able to bring the country to a halt. President Charles de Gaulle got things going his way again, but was shaken by the intense disapproval and stepped down within a year.

This time, French officials acknowledged the mass protest as legitimate dialogue of a sort, and decided to amend their decision to fit the desires of their people. The strikers saw their desperate attempt to join the political discussion work; the leaders listened and changed. In France, the power of the people lives on.

Originally published by InternationalistMag.com on April 14, 2006