Nearly half of French people say they've been victims of racism, survey finds

During a rally against racism in Saint-Denis, France, on April 4, 2026. CAMILLE MILLERAND/DIVERGENCE FOR LE MONDE

Forty-six percent of French people say they have been victims of racist aggression or discrimination at some point in their lives, according to a broad survey published on Thursday, April 9, by the International League Against Racism and Antisemitism (LICRA), in partnership with the IFOP polling institute, on "the state of racist violence and discrimination in France." The nature and intensity of their experiences vary greatly depending on perceived ethnic or religious affiliation, but they lead to the same process of withdrawal and disillusionment with France, often prompting some to consider leaving the country.

The publication of this "comprehensive mapping of French people's exposure to racist behaviors" – 14,025 people aged 15 and older living in mainland France interviewed by telephone between August and September 2025 – comes at a time when the fight against racism and discrimination is at the forefront of national debate, following the election of several candidates from diverse backgrounds in the municipal elections in March.

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