in 2024, a France between discontent and distrust

While purchasing power remains the primary concern of the French, distrust of the democratic system and major institutions highlights a gap between collective aspirations and perceived realities. This context exacerbates the quest for solid benchmarks and stability.

A discontented country in search of stability

The 2024 edition of the “French Fractures” barometer, produced by Ipsos for The Worldthe Jean Jaurès Foundation and Cevipof (the political research center of Sciences Po), highlights a growing discontent among the French. 54% of respondents say they are unhappy but not angry, while 43% express open anger. Only 3% of the population consider themselves satisfied, compared to 9% in 2021. This feeling is reinforced by a declinist vision: 87% of those questioned believe that France is in decline, a figure up compared to 2021 (75%). .

Despite everything, a majority of French people (58%) identify with the middle classes, showing a certain stability in social perception. However, this feeling of decline is accompanied by increased distrust of others: 79% of respondents think that one must be very careful in one’s relationships with others. This general distrust is also manifested in the perception of a violent society, a feeling shared by nine out of ten French people.

Democracy in decline and the valorization of authority

Another salient point of the study is the decline in confidence in the democratic model. While in 2014, 76% of French people considered democracy to be “the best possible system”, this figure fell to 65% in 2024. At the same time, the demand for authority remains strong: 81% of respondents want a “real leader” capable of “restore order”, a figure close to that recorded during the first editions of the barometer in 2013 (87%).

The need for figures of proximity and trust is also revealing. Mayors and small businesses garner strong support, while large institutions like political parties and unions command little trust. Finally, globalization is seen as a threat by 64% of French people, an increase compared to 2013, which illustrates increased concern in the face of global upheavals.

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