December 13, 2004

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in France are divided over the implementation of "positive discrimination" to support certain minorities, according to a poll by CSA released by France Info. 48 per cent of respondents believe the practice is positive, while 41 per cent say it contradicts republican principles.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in France are divided over the implementation of "positive discrimination" to support certain minorities, according to a poll by CSA released by France Info. 48 per cent of respondents believe the practice is positive, while 41 per cent say it contradicts republican principles.

Late last month, an official report presented to the French government recommended a series of measures to eliminate racial discrimination in the European nation. The document establishes that young job seekers of Arab and African origin are five times more likely to be unemployed, and suggests the mandatory use of anonymous résumés.

Former finance minister Nicolas Sarkozy—who recently became the president of the centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP)—supports positive discrimination. French president Jacques Chirac believes the concept contradicts the country's values, and rejects "appointing people based on their origins."

Polling Data

Lately, discussions have begun on the concept of "positive discrimination" to help certain minorities. Personally, do you support or oppose these government's authorizations of this practice?

Support, because it will allow for less discrimination	48%
Oppose, because it contradicts republican principles	41%
Undecided	11%

Source: CSA / France Info
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,001 French adults, conducted on Dec. 2, 2004. No margin of error was provided.