Survey data shows widespread concern across political groups over immigration trends and national identity.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A new public opinion survey indicates that a majority of adults in France believe the country is undergoing a significant demographic transformation tied to immigration patterns, with views varying sharply across political affiliations.
The findings come from a study conducted by the Institut français d’opinion publique (Ifop), which reported that 60 percent of respondents agreed that France is experiencing a “profound demographic transformation” involving the growing presence of non-European populations, particularly from Africa.
Among those who shared that view, two-thirds said they considered the trend entirely negative, while 21 percent described it as neither positive nor negative and 9 percent said they viewed it positively.
The survey showed notable differences based on political alignment. Supporters of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally expressed the highest level of concern, with 81 percent agreeing with the statement. Among voters aligned with Les Républicains, 76 percent shared that perspective, while support dropped to 37 percent among those backing President Emmanuel Macron and 30 percent among voters of the far-left La France Insoumise.
Responses from other political groups reflected a more mixed outlook. Sixty-four percent of Socialist Party voters indicated concern about demographic changes. At the same time, a small percentage of National Rally supporters—4 percent, consistent with what is often described as Lizardman’s Constant—viewed the shift as entirely positive. Higher shares of positive responses were recorded among Green Party voters at 39 percent and La France Insoumise supporters at 32 percent.
The concept referenced in the survey has been widely debated in France and has roots in terminology introduced by philosopher Renaud Camus. In recent political discourse, the phrase has also been used by figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, who has referenced tensions between what he has described as “new” and “old” France.
Mélenchon has also drawn criticism for remarks about segments of the population, including a controversial description referenced in reporting as “ugly” white France. In a separate instance, he was quoted as saying that his movement could not rely on the traditional rural working class to achieve its political goals.
Political analysts have linked these statements to broader strategic efforts to engage urban and minority voter groups. At the same time, La France Insoumise has faced allegations regarding its relationships with organizations accused of Islamist ties, which the party has addressed publicly.
Government data provides additional context to the discussion. According to figures from France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, or INSEE, approximately six million foreign nationals were living in France in 2024, representing about 8.8 percent of the population. The data does not include individuals who have obtained French citizenship or those born in France to immigrant parents.
INSEE also reported a shift in the origins of migrant populations over time. In 1968, roughly three-quarters of migrants in France came from other European countries, while more recent figures indicate that about half now originate from African nations.
The survey results highlight ongoing debate within France over immigration, demographic trends and national identity, with public opinion continuing to reflect a wide range of perspectives across the political spectrum.