Report from the heart of the town of Clichy-sous-Bois, in Seine-Saint-Denis, where political commitment mixes with celebration and youth. The Olympic flame lit up the municipal park during the recent celebration, attracting residents, especially the youngest, into a festive atmosphere.
However, behind the colorful stands and inflatable games, lies a darker reality: the record abstention which marks the local political landscape. During the European elections, less than 30% of registered voters turned out to vote, an alarming figure that highlights the growing disinterest in politics in the region.
In this context, activists from the ACLEFEU association are trying to mobilize residents in view of the upcoming elections. Distributing leaflets and helping to fill out proxy forms, they remind people of the importance of voting to be heard.
Among the young people present at the party, Badiallo, recently registered on the electoral roll, expressed her desire to participate in the democratic process. Shocked by the rise of the far right during the previous election, she feels motivated to vote to defend women’s rights, threatened by the ideas of the leading party.
As the legislative elections approach, the stakes are crucial for these residents of Clichy-sous-Bois, witnesses of persistent abstention and an urgent need for citizen mobilization. While young people are gradually taking over the political debate, hope lies in increased and informed participation, capable of changing mentalities and influencing the country’s political choices.
In a climate where commitment and awareness mingle with celebration and youth, Clichy-sous-Bois embodies a microcosm of the democratic issues of our time. Beyond the stands and activities, the future of a community in search of meaning and a voice to make itself heard is at stake here. The Olympic flame then symbolizes not only the celebration, but also the hope of a living and committed democracy, where each citizen finds their place and their role in building a common future.