An initiative called the Assembly of Neighborhoods has been launched in Paris with the aim of organizing and uniting individuals from popular neighborhoods in order to have a stronger political voice. The project has been in the works for two years, with the goal of bringing together people who are tired of police violence, subpar schools, precarious jobs, poor housing, and feeling ignored by political leaders. The founders of the movement want to create a unified front to counteract the negative narratives often associated with these neighborhoods and empower the residents to engage politically.
The Assembly of Neighborhoods is described as a sort of “union of neighborhoods” by its members, who are primarily between the ages of 40 and 60. They aim to combat the stigmatization of young people in these areas by certain political parties and media outlets. The key message is that it is time for these communities to take back control of their own narratives in the face of far-right ideologies. The movement emphasizes solidarity among residents and advocates for a collective effort to resist authoritarianism and discrimination. One of the founders, Magda Jouini, emphasizes the urgent need to reclaim the narrative of the neighborhoods in order to prevent the rise of extremism.
The Assembly of Neighborhoods has outlined three main objectives: to educate younger generations about the history of social movements, to support and promote independent electoral lists in the 2026 municipal elections, and to foster solidarity among neighborhood actors by supporting local initiatives. The movement seeks to pass on the legacy of past struggles and empower new activists to make a difference in their communities. By backing independent candidates in elections, the Assembly of Neighborhoods hopes to translate their grassroots mobilization into political power and representation at the local level.
The main driver behind the Assembly of Neighborhoods is the desire to address longstanding issues and grievances faced by residents of popular neighborhoods. From the lack of quality education and employment opportunities to the prevalence of police violence and substandard housing, the movement seeks to advocate for systemic change and social justice. By forming a cohesive platform for political engagement, the Assembly of Neighborhoods aims to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized and neglected by mainstream politics.
Overall, the Assembly of Neighborhoods represents a grassroots effort to mobilize residents of popular neighborhoods and empower them to have a stronger political voice. By uniting under a common goal of social justice and solidarity, the movement seeks to challenge the status quo and advocate for change at the local level. With a focus on education, political empowerment, and community building, the Assembly of Neighborhoods aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of residents and empower them to push for meaningful reforms in their communities.
