Report Reveals Alarming Underrepresentation of Working-Class Candidates in French Politics
A report unveiled significant underrepresentation of working-class candidates in French political institutions despite their candidacy rates.
Key Points
- • 60% of candidates since 2002 come from working-class backgrounds
- • Only 2% of the National Assembly consists of working-class representatives
- • Upper-class individuals dominate with over 60% representation in the National Assembly
- • Collective calls for increased training and political engagement for working-class individuals
On June 28, 2025, the collective 'Démocratiser la politique' presented a report in Marseille detailing the significant underrepresentation of working-class individuals within French political institutions. Despite comprising 60% of the 2.75 million candidates who have stood for election since 2002, working-class representation in government remains starkly low. Only 2% of the National Assembly members come from working-class backgrounds, while over 60% hail from upper classes, illustrating a clear disparity in political power.
Sociologist Kévin Vacher and activist Soly Mbaé, who led the three-year research effort, discussed the existence of a 'glass ceiling' effect that inhibits the advancement of working-class candidates. They pointed out that the European Parliament reflects a similarly skewed demographic, with upper-class individuals representing up to 80% of its members. The report emphasizes the urgency for political systems to reflect the diversity of the society they represent. To address these inequalities, the collective advocates for intensified political training and engagement initiatives for individuals from working-class neighborhoods.
Mbaé illustrated the need for inclusion by stating, "It is essential for a son of immigrants like me to feel part of the same nation." The report aims not only to provide a detailed analysis of barriers faced by working-class candidates but also to provoke discussions on achieving social parity in political representation. A database featuring the report's findings is set to be accessible by the end of the week, promoting further exploration into this pressing issue.