Under the scorching summer sun, as the majestic Pyrenees mountains stand tall, the sixth stage of the Tour de France 2023 unleashes a whirlwind of emotions at the iconic Tourmalet pass. However, amidst the sporting fervor enveloping the country, preparations are underway to commemorate a significant milestone in its history: the national celebration honoring the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a seminal event that sparked the French Revolution. Yet, before this eagerly anticipated festivity, the streets bear witness to an unfinished revolution, a revolt born out of desperation and discontent that grips France.
Since that fateful day on June 27, when the life of Nahel, a mere 17-year-old, was extinguished by a police officer’s bullet in Nanterre while attempting to evade a traffic stop without a license, the flames of social unrest have spread throughout France, unleashing a wave of riots. Over 350 people have swiftly been convicted, while hundreds await their turn in the courts. Amidst this turmoil, the controversial figure of Jean Messiha, an extreme right-wing polemicist, creates a support fund on the GoFundMe platform for the family of the Nanterre police officer. Messiha announces, with astonishing speed, that he has received donations totaling a staggering 1.609 million euros. These turbulent events have left a deep mark on French society, with hundreds of businesses looted and thousands of vehicles set ablaze. The estimated economic damage exceeds 1 billion euros, not accounting for the potential impact on the country’s image and its tourism industry, one of its primary sources of revenue.
Amidst this contemporary upheaval, a profound reflection emerges on the fundamental values of coexistence. Recalling the immortal words spoken in the iconic movie “Casablanca” that evoke the enduring nature of Paris, we are confronted with a painful contradiction: while a young African-origin footballer like Kylian Mbappe is honored as an officer of the Legion of Honor despite lacking a driver’s license, another young person of the same background and lesser fortune is tragically shot by the police during a routine traffic stop due to the absence of a simple driving permit.
In the delicate balance of contemporary values, two elements deserving profound consideration come to the forefront. On one hand, multiculturalism and interculturalism enrich our society with diversity and shared experiences. However, we must recognize that the true significance lies in coexistence. It is not about debating integration or nationalities, but about understanding that coexistence is our ultimate goal. If multiculturalism is not properly managed, it can foster inequalities and discontent. Therefore, we must break down barriers and foster mutual understanding, respect, and empathy to build a just and prosperous society where everyone finds their place, regardless of their origin. Authentic coexistence unites us beyond cultural differences.
As the cycling competition continues to challenge the bravery of the riders in the mountains, and France’s national celebration approaches, the country finds itself at a critical juncture in its history. The Tourmalet mountain not only represents a physical test for the cyclists but also symbolizes the hurdles that French society must overcome in its pursuit of true equality and justice.
