Since when has New Year's Eve been a source of tension?
“It’s starting to get very old. From the end of the 1970s/beginning of the 1980s, in poor neighborhoods, with the start of the deindustrialization of France. During this period, we saw the disappearance of the model of youth who, when they left short studies, found work in the factory. In these poor areas, in France and abroad, there are always more police/population clashes. These clashes grew in scale between 1979 and 1981. The main peaks were hot summers and New Year's Eve. When François Mitterrand came to power in 1981, the government was confronted with these first “hot summers”: the CRS were sent as reinforcements to the suburbs of Lyon (Villeurbanne, Vénissieux, Vaulx-en-Velin). This confrontation will develop over time. The particularity of this in France is that it takes place on anniversary dates, particularly New Year's Eve. »
« It’s a moment that has become like a ritual”
Why this night?
“For that anniversary date effect. In all European countries, there are phenomena of collective clashes and burning vehicles. But in France, the particularity is this anniversary date. It's a moment that has become like a ritual: a sort of reverse Christmas where part of the youth expresses their resentment. »
Is this phenomenon of vehicle fires also found abroad?
“Yes, the destruction of vehicles by fire is a factor associated with revolts everywhere. Different reasons can lead to the destruction of vehicles: insurance fraud or to hide traces in a vehicle that has been used in criminal activities. The particularity of France is really this peak on an anniversary date. »
France
