The Robert de Sorbon Foundation has asked Ifop to carry out a barometer dedicated to the relationship between the French and the Republic. The purpose of this first wave is to set the general framework: how is the Republic perceived by citizens, what do the French actually mean by this term, how do they view its system of values, and to what extent do they feel its principles are respected by institutions?
Here are the main findings of the study:
1. The French demonstrate their attachment to the Republic and its values
2. In the collective imagination, the Republic nevertheless lacks an embodiment
3. While its principles are widely shared, respect for them and their practical application appear to be more nuanced
4. Lastly, despite shared principles, there are tensions over their interpretation, mainly driven by generational and political cleavages
