The Intelligence from The Economist Riot-geared: the tensions behind France’s unrest
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Jul 3, 2023 
Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, provides insight into the civil unrest in France following the police shooting of a teenager. She discusses the root causes of societal tension and the government’s struggle to find solutions amidst growing discontent. Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor, examines the implications of a 6% rise in American wages and challenges the fears surrounding wage-price spirals in the current inflationary climate. Together, they dissect the delicate balance between economic growth and social stability.
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The Shooting of Nael M.
- Nael M., a teenager, was fatally shot by police in Nanterre, a Paris suburb.
- This incident triggered national riots, looting, and widespread unrest across France.
Racial Profiling in French Policing
- The French police are perceived as targeting individuals based on their identity, particularly in the banlieues.
- This profiling disproportionately affects those from immigrant backgrounds, leading to anger and resentment.
Difficulty in Demonstrating Racial Bias
- France does not collect ethnic statistics, making it hard to prove racial bias in policing.
- However, studies and increased fatal shootings since 2017 suggest potential discrimination.