French Tolerance: Racism Survey Findings 2024
Discover the complex reality of race relations in France.A new survey reveals that while french tolerance is on the rise, notable challenges remain. The 2024 findings show fluctuating trends, with younger generations demonstrating greater acceptance than older ones. Though, hate crimes and online hate speech continue to surge, painting a nuanced picture of French society. This extensive analysis, sourced from the CNCDH, Ipsos, and expert sociologists, examines the factors influencing tolerance, including political rhetoric and world events. News Directory 3 brings you the latest insights into this critical social issue. Learn about the generational divide and the groups facing the highest levels of discrimination. Discover what’s next …
French Survey Shows complex Trends in Tolerance, Race Relations
Updated June 18, 2025
France is becoming more tolerant but a recent survey highlights some complex trends. The annual study by the Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’homme (CNCDH) examines attitudes toward race, religion, and ethnicity.
The 2024 survey indicates a rise in tolerance compared to 2023, despite increased anti-immigrant rhetoric in politics and the electoral success of the far-right Rassemblement National. The CNCDH noted that the 2024 tolerance index is the third-best since 1990.
Researchers found a general trend of growing acceptance of minorities over the past 35 years, despite fluctuations caused by events such as terrorist attacks, economic insecurity, and political rhetoric. Tolerance dipped in 2015, the year of repeated Islamist terror attacks in France. A peak in 2022 was followed by a drop in 2023 and a partial rebound in 2024, likely influenced by the Hamas attacks in Israel, the subsequent campaign against Gaza, urban riots in France, and debates surrounding the 2024 Immigration law.
In 2024, 18.9% of respondents considered themselves “somewhat” or “a little” racist, down from previous years. Though, that figure rose to 56% among those identifying as “very right wing.”
Ipsos conducted the survey, asking participants to rate their own racism and their attitudes toward various groups, including Black, Asian, Arab, Roma, Muslim, and Jewish people. The survey also included statements such as “there is a hierarchy of races.”
sociologists Yuma Ando, Nonna Mayer, and Vincent Tiberj, associated with the report, attributed the rise in tolerance to higher education levels, generational renewal, and the diversification of the French population. They told France Info that the highest tolerance index was among young adults born since 1987, with a score of 81 out of 100.
However, the researchers expressed concern that tolerance levels are stagnating or declining among older generations, creating a generational divide.Roma people faced the highest levels of discrimination, reflecting long-standing prejudice across Europe.
The Interior Ministry reported an 11% increase in recorded hate crimes in 2024.Online reports of incitement to hatred, discrimination, xenophobic insults, and defamation jumped by 55% on the Pharos platform.
CNCDH President Jean-Marie Burguburu said, “The increase in racist remarks, offenses, and crimes is worrying. While racist and anti-Semitic acts have never been so high, the political response seems non-existent.”
Earlier in June,anti-terror prosecutors launched an examination into a crime with far-right links after a French man fatally shot his tunisian neighbor after posting violent and racist content online.
What’s next
The CNCDH plans to continue monitoring tolerance levels and advocating for policies to combat discrimination and promote equality in France.