Equality of opportunity it is also work for all

In promotion of the diversity, the media have a crucial responsibility because they are the mirror that society tends to itself. It is essential that the reflection they offer is faithful to the diversity of French society, and takes account of its evolution. This is why the arrival of Harry Roselmack in the journal of 20 hours on TF1 is rich in promises! But this is also why it must be followed by effects and give creative impetus to new projects!

The equal opportunities Act has provided clear provisions to do so. It assigns to the CSA mission to participate directly in the actions for social cohesion and the fight against discrimination. The CSA will ensure that the programmes reflect the diversity of French society, which will make in its annual report. I will follow this issue closely and shall pay a particularly vigilant attention to the changes that these provisions will not fail to raise.

Equal opportunities is one of the priorities of the Government of Dominique de Villepin. Our goal is to give every citizen, regardless of its origins, religion, age, sex, its physical or its address, the means to assert his talents and skills. I have the belief that he must go to find diversity and make the effort of the today show, no longer have to see it tomorrow.

We are demonstrating this mobilization at all levels. Since it is through education and access to knowledge that equality, we conducted a deep reform of the educational priority. Strong measures have been implemented to sit the mastery of basic knowledge and educate young people to new pathways to academic success. I have in mind in particular the access to the networks of excellence. In 2005, the Conference of the grandes écoles also signed the Charter for equality of opportunities, creating in 40 settlements of devices, specific of social initiation inspired by the example of Sciences po and Essec.

Equality of opportunity, it is also work for all. A considerable effort was made to accompany the young graduates of the neighbourhoods that are unable to enter the labour market. Mission employment neighbourhoods, which coordinates the action of all stakeholders in land, to near 6,000 young to find a job, including 53 on durable contracts. Coaching operation "objective investment" will enable end to more than 5,000 young to be helped in their search. Within companies, we generated unprecedented awareness. The success of the Charter of diversity, deployed throughout the territory and signed to date by more than 600 companies, is evidence of a new approach. At school, I will hire a France Tour of the diversity that the signatures of the Charter movement is even more massive.

The Act of March 31, 2006 has strengthened the powers of the high authority to fight against discrimination and for equality (Halde), which can punish financial companies and individuals for discriminating behaviour, and it has legalized the practice of the test unexpectedly.

On the ground, we have appointed 6 prefects delegates for equality of opportunity in the 6 most urban departments. These prefects have especially for mission to monitor the practical application of the Charter of diversity, to go to the meeting of associations, fly devices for placement in the neighbourhoods.

To achieve these ambitions, we need proactive, strong actions, but symbolic acts to change attitudes also. The arrival of Harry Roselmack on TF1 is an example, which invites us to blow up the lock of prejudice for valuing the only merits of the individual. However, it is neither necessary nor desirable to use ethnic counts of the population. The French do not want to. Sow everywhere the taste and the reflex of diversity, in all sectors of society, on the screen, in the company, in large schools up to the National Assembly.... This is the spirit of the action that I am determined to continue.