(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many French adults back the concept of "positive discrimination" to support certain minorities, according to a poll by BVA published by Acteurs Publics. 58 per cent of respondents believe allotting a certain number of places in universities, companies, administrations and institutions to immigrants would be a good thing.

Last November, 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 last year 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." 58 per cent of respondents believe the integration of people of foreign origin into French society is going well.

Polling Data

Do you think "positive discrimination"—allotting a certain number of places in universities, companies, administrations and institutions to immigrants—would be a good thing or would not be a good thing?

Would you say the integration of foreigners—or people of foreign origin—into French society is going...?

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