A recent poll indicates that French President Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating has reached its lowest point since his initial election in 2017.
According to a new survey, French President Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating has plummeted to its lowest level since he assumed office in 2017, with 80% of French citizens expressing distrust in his leadership.
The poll, conducted for Le Figaro Magazine and released on Wednesday, reveals that only 15% of respondents support Macron. Approximately eight out of ten individuals hold a negative view of his leadership, while the remaining respondents did not provide a definitive answer. This leaves Macron with a lower approval rating than during the Yellow Vest protests, a widespread anti-government movement that emerged in 2018 due to concerns over fuel taxes and economic inequality.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou also received poor marks in the survey, with trust in him also reaching record lows. Only 14% of respondents expressed trust in him, while 82% expressed the opposite, marking his weakest score since becoming prime minister. Bayrou, who was appointed following the collapse of Michel Barnier’s government last year, is currently advocating for a controversial austerity plan as France grapples with a spiraling budget deficit that reached 5.8% of GDP in 2024, nearly double the EU’s 3% limit.
His proposals involve eliminating two public holidays to increase productivity, reducing public sector jobs, and freezing welfare payments and pensions, which are typically linked to inflation. However, defense spending is set to increase. France’s military budget is projected to rise to €64 billion ($69 billion) in 2027, doubling the 2017 level, with an additional €6.5 billion allocated over the next two years. The plan has drawn criticism, with left-wing parties accusing the government of prioritizing military expenditure over social welfare.
The only French politician to experience an increase in trust was right-wing opposition leader Jordan Bardella, who now holds the top position in the rankings. The survey indicates that he has gained support from conservatives as well as left-wing and centrist supporters.
Bayrou, who has survived eight no-confidence votes, still requires parliamentary support for his proposals before the budget is presented in October. Le Figaro notes that his push for a new vote of confidence has further exacerbated the unrest, cautioning that social unrest could erupt at any moment.
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