French public trust in justice plummets to lowest since 2019 after Lyhanna case

A poll by Elabe for BFMTV shows only 35 % of French respondents trust the justice system, the lowest level recorded since the survey began in 2019. Confidence in the police (66 %) and the gendarmerie (73 %) also hit multi‑year lows. Eighty percent of those surveyed said the death of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna reveals serious coordination failures among public services.

President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged “manifest dysfunctions” in the case, urging a methodical response and warning against demagogic reactions. He said inspections slated for 19 June will guide any reforms, and the government will amend the children‑protection bill only if the facts require it. The public remains skeptical: 47 % attribute the problem to human error, 45 % to insufficient financial and personnel resources, and a majority consider the planned review of 70 000 sexual‑offence investigations unrealistic and ineffective. Overall, 82 % feel the state is not sufficiently mobilised on child‑violence issues.