France faces growing sense of national decline

A widespread sentiment of national decline is becoming a central theme in French political discourse. According to an Ipsos-BVA-CESI survey, 85% of French citizens believe the country is in decline, a figure that has risen since 2017.

Political figures from the Rassemblement National, including Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, have utilized this sentiment in their campaigning. Bardella described recent poor PISA international student competency rankings as a ‘seism’ indicating ‘intellectual decline,’ while Le Pen linked decline to issues regarding border control, education, and healthcare.

Public frustration is also being fueled by economic pressures. Entertainer Patrick Sébastien has voiced concerns regarding the country’s stability, citing rising costs for gas and electricity and a perceived lack of leadership. He noted that while citizens feel a desire to protest, many are constrained by financial obligations and debt.