PHOTOS: David Ledoux ASSISTANT: Alex Hughes STYLIST: Marion Chambrette
COORDINATED BY: Sofiane Deliere & Mathieu Berenholc

France is still a socialist fantasyland where healthcare is affordable, university is free, and it’s almost impossible to get fired. Tell that to any French kid and they’ll laugh in your face. Like past generations, French kids today are continuing in the tradition of political activism and constant protesting and now that the right wing conservative Nicolas Sarkozy has been elected president, there are demonstrations happening across the country on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, most of these protests end with tear gas and rubber bullets. We went to an anti-Sarkozy demonstration on May 16, 2007, and asked some protesters why they were there, and what was making them so angry.

Marcel wears jacket by Surface2Air, shirt by Fred Perry

MARCEL, 23

Vice: Why do you protest?

Marcel: What do you dislike about the new government? Have you ever had any problems with the police?

Thibault wears jacket by Quickshark, T-shirt by True Rebel, jeans by Nixon

THIBAULT, 14

Vice: Why are you protesting today?

Thibault: Are you a member of a political party? Ever had any run-ins with the cops? Have you ever been caught?

Lola wears jacket by Fred Perry, polo shirt by Fred Perry, jeans by Levi’s

LOLA, 22

Vice: So, do you come here often?

Lola: What exactly do you dislike about the government and Sarkozy? Have you ever had any run-ins with the cops at any protests you’ve attended?

Jawad wears jacket by Carhartt, jeans by Levi’s, trainers by Adidas

JAWED, 21

Vice: Do you participate in a lot of protests?

Jawed: How would you describe your relationship with the cops?

Elsa wears jacket by H&M, jeans by Rica Lewis, cap by Nike

ELSA, 21

Vice: Why are you protesting today?

Elsa: Have you ever been arrested?

Sandra wears dress and tights by H&M

SANDRA, 19

Vice: Why are you protesting today?

Sandra: How do you feel about the new president? How do you feel about the police presence today?