Posted on 11/15/2005 2:04:15 PM PST by Lorianne
French President Jacques Chirac has vowed to create new opportunities for young people in an effort to prevent any resurgence of urban violence. In his first national address since the riots began, Mr Chirac spoke of "crisis of meaning, a crisis of identity".
He condemned the "poison" of racism, and announced measures for the training of 50,000 youths in 2007.
Mr Chirac, who has been accused of weak leadership during the crisis, also said the rioters must be brought to justice.
He pledged to crack down on illegal immigration.
He also confirmed that the government of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin would ask parliament to extend an emergency law allowing the imposition of curfews in towns across the country.
The president spoke as police and local authorities around France waited anxiously for proof that the prolonged period of violence is coming to an end.
Some 162 cars were burned on Monday night, the police said, down from a peak of over 1,000 a week earlier.
A measure of calm has returned to Paris, although there was trouble in Toulouse and some remote towns.
Equality
Speaking at the Elysee Palace in front of the flags of France and the EU, Mr Chirac said the wave of violence had highlighted a "deep malaise" within French society.
How many CVs are thrown in the waste paper basket just because of the name or the address of the applicant?
Jacques Chirac
Excerpts: Chirac address
"We are all aware of discrimination," the president said, calling for equal opportunities for the young and rejecting suggestions of a US-style quota system.
"How many CVs are thrown in the waste paper basket just because of the name or the address of the applicant?"
He was quick to defend the rule of law, sternly criticising those who turned to violence to vent their anger.
"Many French people have difficulties, but violence never solves anything. [If] one belongs to our national community one must respect the rules."
Fraternity
France would respond to the violence, Mr Chirac insisted, by staying faithful to the values of the Republic.
He called the rioters "sons and daughters of the Republic", but warned that respect among all French nationals was crucial to the long term strength of the nation.
About 300 protesters joined a rally led by Le Pen
"We will never build anything long-lasting without fighting this poison of racism."
Mr Chirac also warned that parents must work hard to ensure a respect for the law among their children.
"The justice system has been alerted," he added.
"Everyone must know that the law cannot be broken with impunity."
On Monday evening the far-right leader Jean-Marie le Pen led a protest against France's immigration laws.
Addressing a crowd of about 300 National Front supporters he criticised France's immigration policies.
"We let in 10 million foreigners over 30 years - it's wild insanity. No country can handle that invasion," Mr Le Pen said.
He said that France was now "paying the bill" for its "mad and criminal immigration from the Third World".
They could become claims adjusters for auto insurance companies.
Well, maybe they can put these YOUTs to work building a new (and better) aircraft carrier...
(evil Eddie Murphy laugh)
No. You only must
pay off the thugs and scumbags
because they riot.
Normal citizens
can be taxed and worked to death --
they respect the law.
Well, that gives him well over a year to come up with excuses for why the goal won't be met.
Reminds me Klintoon's additional 100,000 thises, thatses, and the others.
Combine the best of both worlds: CHAIN GANGS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE!
free wine and cheese???
I'm sorry I wasted your time.
This is France we're discussiong, so I should have realized that the National Prisoners Union would never permit such a thing as a chain gang.
Also, the National Alliance of Prison Guards would sue, or even strike, over any changes in work conditions engendered by having to oversee the chain gangs. Being France, they may even turn lose the prisoners, and burn the prisons down as a "protest".
(sigh!) Back to the drawing board.
Actually I like it, but as you state, someone would object on some grounds. You can take that to the bank!
I'm not sure if that would work anyway. Try to imagine "Workin on the Chain Gang" sung in French. LOL...
...."crisis of meaning, a crisis of identity"....
or in Clintonspeak "I feel your pain"
He is powerless to act. He can do nothing but watch the fires consume his nation.
French people are civilized and don't use toilet paper. They have bidets. That's why they dont take showers.
"Jock Strap"...
Thanks for shorting out my keyboard with my first Ultra.
A flash from the "failed" past. Keep those hits coming.
LOL! Nothing like bathing in A$$ water!
Just ask the Germans in Paris...
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