A little more inhabitants, but fewer babies: since the start of the year, France has had nearly 68.4 million inhabitants, a further increase of 0.3% over one year, however limited by a decline marked by the birth rate. This population growth is mainly linked to net migration (estimated at +183,000 people), i.e. the difference between the number of people entering and leaving the territory.
According to a CSA survey for CNews, Europe 1 and “Le Journal du Dimanche”, conducted among a sample of 1,012 people aged over 18, 69% of French people believe that immigration should not be encouraged for ensure the demographic future of the country.
Left-wing supporters divided
In detail, 71% of the women questioned do not wish to favor immigration in terms of demographics, as do 67% of the men questioned. They are also 65% of the CSP+ surveyed to be against, and 76% of the CSP-. 56% of 18-24 year olds are also not in favor of immigration to resolve the birth rate problem in France, and 70% of those aged 65 and over.
Concerning the results according to the political proximity of the respondents, for the left-wing parties, opinions are rather divided since they are in favor at 59%, against 41%. For respondents with right-wing political leanings, the results are more clear-cut: 87% are against.
53% of French people want neither European nor non-European immigration
The French position on the call for immigration to fight against the aging of the population and the decline in birth rates goes in the same direction, whether it is European or extra-European immigration: in fact, 53% of those questioned want neither, 32% are for European immigration and 15% for non-European immigration.