Experts analyze findings of Arab News-commissioned survey

French ambassador to Saudi Arabia delivers keynote address at Zoom event hosted by Arab World Institute in Paris

In the latest partnership between Arab News and leading polling agency YouGov, our Frenchlanguage digital edition, Arab News en Francais, commissioned research into the views of French people of Arab origin on life in France.

A panel of experts, academics, decision-makers and diplomats discussed the findings of the survey on Monday during an online event — organized in partnership with the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris — titled “Integration in France: perception problem or systemic crisis?”

In his keynote speech, IMA President Jack Lang described the research as an “excellent” initiative. “I think France is a country which has succeeded in interweaving cultures and civilizations,” he said. “What makes France a strong country is that it is, as Nelson Mandela said, a ‘rainbow nation.’”

Ludovic Pouille, the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said:“Unfortunately, we are living in times of great violence” he said. “We are also victims of hatred via social networks,” he continued. “We must fight terrorism in all its forms and the hatred it produces.”

Senator Nathalie Goulet, who represents the department of Orne, took issue with Lang’s opening remarks. “I think we don’t live in the same country,” she said. “The situation is not good. You cannot talk of integration of people born in France and having an immigrant background. French Muslims are French.”

She concluded: “We must stop seeing Islam as a religion foreign to France. This creates a counterproductive gulf.”

Myriam Francois, who earned a doctorate from the University of

Oxford with research into Islamic politics, said that politicians in France are failing to properly serve many sections of society.