French President Emmanuel Macron is currently facing a deepening political crisis as his approval rating has reached an all-time low of 11%, according to a recent poll conducted by Le Figaro. This historic low, which places him on par with his predecessor François Hollande, underscores growing public dissatisfaction and a significant erosion of trust in his leadership. The survey, conducted by the Verian Group and based on responses from a thousand participants, indicates that Macron has become the least popular president in France since the 1970s, when public opinion tracking began.
The crisis has been exacerbated by a series of political missteps and governance failures. One of the most significant events was Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly in June 2024 following his coalition’s defeat in the European Parliament elections. This move was widely seen as a high-risk gamble that backfired, resulting in a hung parliament and effectively paralyzing much of the country’s legislative work. The dissolution of the National Assembly, which has been a recurring theme in recent political developments, has further strained Macron’s already fragile position, as the government struggles to pass essential legislation and manage the country’s economic and political challenges.
In addition to the legislative stalemate, Macron’s government has faced constant turmoil, with seven prime ministers resigning since 2017. These resignations reflect the instability and infighting within his administration, with key figures such as Edouard Philippe, Jean Castex, Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, and François Bayrou all stepping down under various circumstances. The most recent resignation of Sebastien Lecornu, the current minister, came after a split in parliament over the government’s efforts to pass a budget aimed at curbing France’s rising debt. Lecornu was subsequently reappointed, highlighting the ongoing struggle to navigate the legislative and financial challenges facing the country.
The 11% approval rating mirrors the nadir reached by Hollande during his presidency, who also saw his rating fall to similar depths in late 2016, shortly before announcing that he would not seek a second presidential term. This comparison suggests that Macron is now experiencing the same level of public disillusionment that Hollande faced, raising questions about the long-term viability of his political strategy and leadership. The Verian Group’s survey indicates that Macron’s support has steadily declined, with his satisfaction rating dropping to 21% in January 2025 and further slipping to 15% last month, with 80% of respondents expressing a lack of trust in him.
The political and economic challenges facing France have reached a critical point, with the ruling government struggling to implement necessary reforms and maintain public confidence. Meanwhile, France’s credit outlook has been downgraded by key rating agencies, further complicating the country’s economic prospects. This convergence of political instability, legislative gridlock, and financial concerns continues to threaten Macron’s position and the stability of the French government.