Because of the Covid-19 epidemic and its economic and social consequences, the younger generations are facing a deterioration in their living conditions.

On Europe 1 Monday, activist, entrepreneur and association manager consider the government's response "late". 

"It's hard to be 20 in 2020".

This sentence by Emmanuel Macron, intended for young people, has remained in the collective memory.

Almost a year after the start of the Covid-19 health crisis, young people, and particularly students, are testifying to their distress.

Distance learning, loss of odd jobs, economic and climate crisis: the future is bleak.

If the government has already announced support measures, the response still seems too "late" and sometimes disconnected from needs. 

>>

Find Europe Soir with Julian Bugier in replay and podcast here

Irrelevant economic responses

"These are first of all economic responses that are questionable. Is a loan to start in life really relevant, instead of extending aid? I am not sure that this is an appropriate response ", explains on Europe 1 Camille Etienne, environmental activist, alluding to the proposal of Stanislas Guérini, general delegate of LREM.

He argues in fact for the establishment of a zero rate loan of 10,000 euros for all 18-25 years.

>> LIVE -

Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Monday February 8

Despite higher studies which are often "free" in France, many students need odd jobs to meet ancillary expenses.

Without them, their situation becomes precarious.

"We said to ourselves: 'There are the troubadours and those who are not going to revolt too much, they will wait later'", Camille Etienne still quips, referring to the world of culture, largely affected by the consequences of the 'epidemic.

"Extending the scholarship, an aid of 500 euros", seems more "relevant" to the activist, spokesperson for the movement "We are ready", than the proposal of Stanislas Guérini.

"I find it problematic to offer young people to start in life, a bit like it happens in the United States, with loans."

Fragilities already present

For Gabrielle Légeret, the situation is also the result of "weaknesses" that already existed before, especially for young people from rural areas and from small towns that she supports in the "Chemins d'avenir" association.

"I think we need a real public with regard to these young people who address the problems at the root," she assures.

Digital divide amplified by online courses in white areas without connection, freezing of professional opportunities: rural youth are particularly hampered by this crisis, accumulating handicaps, explains the advocacy manager.

>> READ ALSO - 

INTERACTIVE MAP - Job offers for young people

What if, finally, the first need was that of a "present look"?

In any case, this is the opinion of Guillaume Benech, a young entrepreneur, who regrets that the government is planning a way out of the crisis without fully taking into account the current distress of young people.

He challenges Emmanuel Macron at the microphone of Europe 1: "Start a real conversation with the youth."