These claims run up against several public indicators. In 2025, the Ministry of the Interior recorded 9,737 racist crimes and offenses.
Several studies also show that discrimination does exist in France, particularly in the labor market.
The National Consultative Commission on Human Rights adds that everyday racist behavior is becoming increasingly frequent.
The candidate therefore maintains her interpretation, while official figures, employment research and CNCDH observations describe documented acts and discrimination.
The statement surprised people interviewed in the Paris region.
In the labor market, the 2025 diversity barometer published by Cegos, a specialist in vocational training, measures a gap with the rest of Europe. According to this survey, 12% of European employees say they have been penalized because of their ethnic origins, compared with 18% in France.
Marine Le Pen stated on the American network CBS that France is"the least racist country in the world."The leader of the National Rally and candidate in the presidential election also asserts that there is no discrimination in the country."And I will go even further: it is the least racist country in the world,"she said. This interview is among her first of the presidential campaign granted to a major foreign media outlet.
This evening, on social media, Marine Le Pen defends herself. On X, she says she rejects a"myth"of systemic racism spread, according to her, by the left, franceinfo.fr reports.