The furious youth of France and Europe with Claire Berlinski

What is a polycrisis crossed with an omnishambles? The current situation in France, according to writer and Paris-based Claire Berlinski. This isn’t necessarily a criticism so much as a description of reality — and it is not confined to France. In many parts of Europe young people are protesting not only the deteriorating conditions of schools but what seems to them the absence of hope in a reality of high rents, low salaries, climate change and zero economic growth. Nonetheless, the focus is on France: the peaceful protests that became riots, apparently incited by the Black Blocs that appeared from nowhere, the extreme policing, and the deliberate destruction of symbols of the state. As Presidential elections loom next year, this seems like a determined effort to undermine the Republic, and strengthen the prospects of the most extreme candidates. With clarity and knowledge, Claire Berlinski helps put France and Europe into true perspective. This episode was recorded on 21 October 2026 Chapters Introduction to the French protests Economic crisis, fiscal issues, and election implications The model that no longer adds up The future of France and European integration The decline of moderate politics and rise of extremism Mentions and extra resources The Cosmopolitan Globalist Substack BBC coverage on the October 17 Blue News on accusations put on “particularly violent far-left group” and La France insoumise The Independent on Russia and Iran interference France summoned the Iranian ambassador over a “disinformation campaign” by Iranian authorities about the school protests The Guardian on riots in Italy Gilets jaunes (Yellow vest protests) Black Bloc Follow Claire Berlinski Substack LinkedIn website Ilana Bet-El Instagram @women_leaders_podcast Listen to this episode on our YouTube channel Our partner European Leadership Network Twitter LinkedIn Facebook website Credits Production: Florence Ferrando Music: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-time... License code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJT