France: Macron and Lecornu hit record low popularity

Recent polling data indicates a significant decline in popularity for French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu as the 2027 presidential election approaches. According to the Ipsos BVA-CESI barometer, Macron’s approval rating has dropped to 16%, his lowest level since entering office in 2017. Lecornu’s approval also fell to 20%. This decline is particularly notable among the president’s own political base, where support from Renaissance, MoDem, and Horizons sympathizers dropped by 19 points to 53%.

Public sentiment in France is characterized by growing pessimism and a desire for social and political change. Approximately 71% of citizens are seeking a “real change,” and 74% believe the country’s situation will deteriorate. Primary concerns for the electorate include purchasing power (54%), the future of the social system (40%), the environment (31%), immigration (31%), and public debt and deficits (30%).

Regarding electoral intentions, studies suggest a highly structured but volatile electorate. While party loyalty is eroding, voters tend to move between neighboring political spheres rather than across extremes. Some polling scenarios place Marine Le Pen of the Rassemblement National at the forefront of first-round intentions, followed by figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Edouard Philippe.