Reexamining 'The People' in Politics Amid Rising Political Violence in France

Martin Breaugh's analysis in "L’expérience plébéienne" deepens our understanding of the political concept of 'the people' by contrasting historical notions such as the Athenian dèmos, the Roman populus, and the plebs. Breaugh highlights that these terms carry distinct political legacies often conflated in contemporary discourse. He argues that the Roman Republic, despite its republican label, was not truly democratic and stresses that plebeian political movements—characterized by episodic, spontaneous, and unpredictable surges like the 494 BC plebeian revolt—offer a different model of political engagement than established electoral systems. Breaugh provocatively questions whether modern movements like the Gilets jaunes express a genuine form of popular democracy or simply reveal societal tensions without clear leadership or objectives.

Concurrently, France faces a troubling rise in political violence against elected officials amid growing political polarization. Incidents during the 2023 municipal elections, such as racist attacks on Bally Bagayoko, mayor of Saint-Denis, and widespread intimidation and vandalism, exemplify this trend. The Association of Mayors of France and the Ministry of the Interior report a 13.5% increase in assaults on officials in 2023 after a 32% jump in 2022. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced potential legal action against hate speech targeting politicians, including civil suits. Sociologist Michel Wieviorka underscores the complexity of political violence, noting that while murders have declined, perceptions have evolved due to societal and communicative changes. The collapse of traditional party structures and heightened polarization leave local officials particularly vulnerable, as they maintain direct engagement with constituents.

Breaugh’s historical insights on the episodic nature of popular political expression intersect with the contemporary challenges faced by French democracy, where the legitimacy and safety of elected representatives are increasingly contested within the public sphere.