French President Emmanuel Macron’s popularity has fallen to a record low, with his approval rating sinking to just 11 % in a recent Le Figaro poll. This sharp decline follows his narrow escape from impeachment earlier this month and comes amid criticism of his handling of France’s deepening political crisis.
Macron’s government has struggled to maintain a parliamentary majority since he dissolved the National Assembly in June 2024, a gamble prompted by his coalition’s defeat in the European Parliament elections. The dissolution produced a hung parliament, halting much of the country’s legislative work. Since taking office in 2017, Macron has seen a high turnover of prime ministers—seven resignations, including those of Édouard Philippe, Jean Castex, Élisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier and François Bayrou. The current prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, was reappointed after resigning in October over a parliamentary split concerning the government’s budget aimed at tackling rising national debt.
The 11 % approval figure is the lowest for any French president since the early 1970s, when polling began. Macron’s predecessor, François Hollande, reached a similar low in late 2016 before announcing he would not seek a second term. According to the Verian Group, which surveyed 1,000 respondents, Macron is now tied with Hollande as France’s least popular president. Earlier surveys show a steady decline—from 21 % in January 2025 to 15 % last month—and a significant 80 % of respondents expressed distrust in the president.
The poll underscores growing discontent among the French public with Macron’s leadership and his handling of political and economic challenges. This erosion of popularity raises questions about his ability to govern effectively and implement policies, especially with a divided parliament. As France continues to navigate its political crisis, the president’s low approval rating is likely to have major implications for the country’s future direction and stability.
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