French President Emmanuel Macron is experiencing a historic drop in popularity, marking him as the most unpopular leader in the country’s recent history. A new poll conducted by the Verian Group reveals that Macron’s approval rating has plummeted to an alarming 11 percent. This figure ties him with his predecessor, François Hollande, who reached a similar low just before deciding against seeking re-election in 2017.
Published in the conservative daily Le Figaro, the survey underscores a grim picture for Macron. His declining support is not merely a reflection of discontent; it indicates deep-seated dissatisfaction with his policies. The fallout from his decision to raise the retirement age has been particularly damaging, along with political chaos following his dissolution of parliament after a significant far-right win in the 2024 European elections. This series of missteps has crystallized the view of Macron as disconnected from the realities facing ordinary French citizens.
Macron’s relationship with the public has soured, leaving him adrift in the political landscape. A former presidential adviser, speaking to Politico on the condition of anonymity, emphasized Macron’s awareness of his unpopularity, stating, “Macron is constantly hooked on polls… he’d need to be blind or deaf not to realize that he’s disliked.” This acknowledgment points to a leader struggling to grasp the significance of his policies and their repercussions on his nation.
While the adviser did not connect Macron’s political downfall to globalist policies or his stance on international conflicts such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine, these factors likely contribute to the public’s growing frustration. Many citizens perceive a gap between the president’s priorities and their daily struggles, a rift that he seems unable or unwilling to bridge.
Macron’s unpopularity is further punctuated by his tumultuous personal life, which has captured media attention. Reports of his wife, Brigitte Macron, physically expressing her anger at him during an event in Vietnam show the strain within their marriage, adding another layer of intrigue to his public image. Such incidents offer a glimpse into the personal pressures Macron faces, pressures that inevitably ripple into his political capacity.
As Macron grapples with this plummet in approval, questions arise: Is this the nadir for his presidency, or could his popularity sink even further? For now, he shares the title of disfavor with Hollande, a precarious position for any leader. Such statistics reflect not only the challenges he faces but also his perceived detachment from the citizens he aims to serve. The coming months will be crucial as Macron attempts to navigate these treacherous waters and restore his standing among a disillusioned populace.
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