French official: Nation nears ‘apartheid’
PARIS (AP) — France’s equality chief said Wednesday the country was heading “straight into apartheid” and toward a major social explosion unless changes are made rapidly.
Yazid Sabeg issued a wake-up call to the French nation, which has already suffered major rioting from alienated immigrant youth in the country’s social housing projects.
He stressed that the current financial crisis will hit those suffering from discrimination and lack of opportunity most severely.
“We are creating a social civil war in this country,” said Sabeg. “I believe that today we are digging a ditch that leads straight into apartheid.”
Sabeg spoke during a program on the Parliamentary Channel in which he responded to reporters’ questions.
Sabeg is the son of Algerian immigrants and is known for his efforts to bring equality to the workplace.