After the de-escalation, it is time to take stock. According to our latest Odoxa-Backbone Consulting poll for Le Figaro, an overwhelming majority of French people (84%) denounce the outburst of violence that followed the death of young Nahel, killed by police fire on the sidelines of a traffic check, after a refusal to comply at Nanterre. During the night riots that followed, and which lasted nearly a week, elected officials, businesses and public buildings were targeted all over the territory, causing damage estimated at several hundred million dollars. euros, even a billion according to the Medef. What cause the “anger” of the country (84%) in front of these images of chaos, as well as “fear” (66%).
Even if the lull seems to have since been confirmed on the social front, the French still fear a new surge of tension: 89% say they are “worried” for the future of the country. Contrary to the rest of the population, only supporters of La France Insoumise (60%) say they “understand” this urban violence. A position consistent with the attitude of Jean-Luc Mélenchon and his troops, who have long refused to call for “calm”.
While popular support for the forces of order remains high (64%), it is not accompanied by a legitimist reflex of support for the government (27%), as sometimes happens in times of crisis. Conversely, the French say they rather expect firm measures from the executive, particularly with regard to immigration: 59% are calling for a toughening of the bill planned for the fall. And for good reason, recent events are perceived in their eyes as “the consequence of the failures of our migration policy”. A statement that contrasts with the speech adopted by Gérald Darmanin, according to whom “there were many Kevins and Mattéos” among the arrested, who were “90% French”. Enough to make the Minister of the Interior say that “the question today is young offenders, not foreigners”.
Nevertheless, a large majority of respondents (71%) seem to dissociate themselves from the tenant of Beauvau, calling for the reduction of migratory flows. And by lining up behind two proposals made in particular by the LR right and the nationalists: the removal of the “minority excuse” (78%) and “financial sanctions” against the parents of offenders (77%).