56% of French people support cutting social benefits, says new poll

A majority of French citizens believe that reducing social benefits is necessary to address the country’s budget deficit, according to a new survey conducted by the CSA Institute for the television channel CNews.

The poll reveals that 56% of respondents are in favor of the measure. Meanwhile, 43% oppose it, and just 1% did not express an opinion.

Support for the measure is highest among people aged 65 and over (63%) and voters of the conservative party Les Républicains (84%). Conversely, the lowest levels of support are found among 18- to 24-year-olds (54%) and Socialist Party supporters (35%).

The survey was conducted on April 17 and 18, polling around 1,000 adults aged 18 and over.