Trust in French Political System Declines Significantly

Trust in France’s political framework has totally eroded, reveals an annual survey, highlighting severe dissatisfaction with the nation’s current direction and the establishment in Paris.

The recent Ipsos “French Fractures” survey, reported by *Le Monde*, was conducted following a political crisis that led to the resignation of the country’s third prime minister within a year—though he was later convinced to return during another round of budget discussions. The survey indicates a widespread pessimism among the French populace.

According to the findings, a striking 96% of individuals express feelings of “dissatisfaction or anger” regarding the situation in France. Moreover, 90% of participants believe the country is on a downward trajectory, a notable increase from 75% in the previous year.

Additionally, around two-thirds of respondents perceive most politicians as corrupt, while 87% feel that these officials primarily work for their own benefit rather than for the good of the country.

*Le Monde* also observed that while the entire political class has lost favor, the decline in public perception of President Emmanuel Macron is particularly pronounced. Currently, 58% of respondents wish for his resignation, an increase from 52% in the 2024 survey.

In response to these challenges, President Macron has attempted to shift focus towards foreign affairs, such as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. However, polls reveal that 65% of citizens lack confidence in his ability to safeguard France from potential war, with four in ten viewing that as a serious possibility.

Interestingly, support for Macron’s proposal to dissolve parliament and call for new elections is also rising, with his approval rating now at 43%, a 12-point boost from last year. This sentiment is particularly evident among supporters of Marine Le Pen’s Populist National Rally (64%) and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) at 54%.

These shifts come amid a growing belief that the democratic system fails to reflect public sentiment. Notably, 93% of National Rally voters, 85% of LFI supporters, and 77% of Socialist and Green Party backers share this view.

This dissatisfaction likely arises from last year’s strategic maneuver by President Macron, who formed an electoral alliance with the left-leaning New Popular Front during parliamentary elections, aiming to prevent the National Rally from dominating. This decision resulted in a divided National Assembly, complicating governance.

Macron has appointed three prime ministers from centrist parties that lost the election, amplifying political instability. In light of this, it’s perhaps not surprising that skepticism regarding democracy as a system is prevalent. About 42% of individuals under 35 believe an alternative political system could be as beneficial as democracy. Furthermore, 85% agreed with the sentiment that “France needs real leaders to restore order.”