Why France Burns, and What India Must Learn by Lt Gen A B Shivane,

Summary 

Lt Gen A B Shivane argues that France’s recent unrest is not merely a law-and-order problem, but the result of accumulated social grievances that political institutions failed to absorb. The protests began with students complaining about teacher shortages, poor school facilities and exhausting timetables, then merged with public-sector strikes over the 2027 austerity budget and the Yellow Vest movement’s concerns over living costs and inequality. This convergence of separate discontents turned localized anger into a nationwide crisis.

Core argument

The article’s central warning is that when peaceful democratic channels stop delivering results, citizens may conclude that only disruption makes governments listen. France’s post-2024 political paralysis—without a clear parliamentary majority—has left no effective mechanism to convert public discontent into policy, pushing protests from classrooms and workplaces onto the streets.

The state’s heavy reliance on policing has further worsened the situation. While violence and arson must be punished, images of injured minors have shifted public sympathy and made the government appear to be treating a social grievance solely as a security problem.

Six lessons for India

1. Track small grievances early. Teacher vacancies, examination irregularities, unemployment and price rises can quietly erode state legitimacy. The author cites Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka as examples where localized grievances escalated into major political crises.

2. Prevent grievances from converging. Governments can manage isolated protests, but farmers, students, unemployed youth and workers acting together create a much larger challenge. Early, credible dialogue—with clear interlocutors and timelines—is essential.

3. Keep democratic safety valves functional. Panchayats, municipalities, legislatures and elections matter only if they have real powers, adequate funds and responsive grievance redressal.

4. Use force with restraint and accountability. Police must distinguish peaceful protesters from violent elements, use less-lethal measures carefully, and prepare in advance to protect civic infrastructure.

5. Control the narrative quickly. Hostile actors may amplify domestic unrest. Transparent, factual communication within the first 48 hours is itself a security measure.

6. Link fiscal discipline to public welfare. Austerity that visibly weakens schools, hospitals and public services can be perceived as abandonment. Economic prudence must protect citizens’ everyday services.

Bottom line

The article cautions India against complacency. Despite its federal structure and democratic institutions, India’s young population, employment pressures and social fault lines make it vulnerable to similar escalation if early warning signs are ignored. France’s unrest, the author suggests, developed over eight years—from the Yellow Vest protests to the 2026 school protests—and India should learn to read such signals much sooner.