Poll: Two-Thirds of French Believe Police Force Has Racism Problem

The conviction of the presence of racism in the law enforcement is stronger among voters of the New Popular Ecological and Social Union (Nupes) (82%) and the presidential majority (71%) than among supporters of the Republicans (59%) and the National Rally (51%). The study, conducted on July 3 and 4, 2023, surveyed 1,018 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over.

These data are published as France is in a tense climate following the death of the young Nahel, 17, killed by a police officer in Nanterre at the end of June. An amateur video contradicting the initial police report fueled outrage and anger, triggering riots that lasted several days.

The night of the tragedy was marked by clashes between angry youths and law enforcement in Nanterre, incidents that then spread to other cities. The officer involved in Nahel’s death was indicted for voluntary homicide and then placed in detention.

Since these events, 3,625 individuals have been taken into custody, including 1,124 minors, and 990 have been brought before the courts, with 380 being incarcerated. Faced with this situation, 90 organizations are calling for the holding of "citizen marches" to demand strengthening the means to fight racism, including within the police.