VOICED: French suburb tries to forget Sarkozy 'scum' comment

In October 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy, then interior minister, visited the suburb of Johntae, aiming to address issues like crime and unemployment. His visit, marked by a standoff with residents, left a lasting negative impression. Despite significant investments to improve the area, challenges like safety and unemployment persist. The community continues to work towards changing its image and overcoming these issues.

What were the main issues faced by the suburb during Sarkozy's visit in October 2005?

How did the residents feel about Sarkozy's visit and the presence of riot police?

What changes have been made in the neighborhood since Sarkozy's visit?

In what ways do the residents feel their image is different from the reality they experience?

What are the current safety concerns of the residents in the neighborhood?