Declining Popularity for Macron and Bayrou Amid Rising Concerns Over Public Safety
Recent survey indicates significant drops in approval ratings for French leaders as crime concerns rise.
Approval ratings for French President Emmanuel Macron and Deputy Prime Minister François Bayrou have experienced substantial declines in June, with Macron dropping 5 points from May to a new low of 21%, just above his record low of 20% during the 'Gilets Jaunes' crisis in winter 2018. Bayrou, who has been in office for six months, reported a decrease of 3 points, now sitting at 17% favorable opinions, according to a recent Ipsos-Cesi survey published on June 14, 2025.
The survey underscores a notable decline in support particularly among supporters of the Renaissance-MoDem-Horizons coalition.
Recent events have been cited as a significant source of public anger towards government authorities.
Among the notable incidents were the tragic stabbing death of a middle school supervisor by a student, and violent incidents following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the Champions League.
Crime levels have now risen to the second most pressing concern for French citizens, following purchasing power, as highlighted in the monthly barometer.
The dramatic divide in perceptions about crime is noted, with the issue being almost ignored by the political left, while it remains a priority for the right and far-right factions.
Within the government, ministers from the right-wing party remain the most favored among the public.
Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau holds a 36% approval rating, while Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin follows with a 34% approval rating.
Minister of Culture Rachida Dati's approval has notably declined, dropping her to fifth place with only 13% approval.
In terms of potential successors to Emmanuel Macron, the barometer indicates rising support for far-right leaders Jordan Bardella at 35% and Marine Le Pen at 33%, followed by Bruno Retailleau at 29%.
Analysts suggest that the far-right electorate is beginning to accept that Bardella may be their candidate for the 2027 election, as Le Pen's candidacy faces uncertainty following a ruling that has resulted in her being ineligible for office.
The survey was conducted online between June 11 and June 13, 2025, with a representative sample of 1,003 individuals aged 18 and older, utilizing quota sampling methods.
The survey underscores a notable decline in support particularly among supporters of the Renaissance-MoDem-Horizons coalition.
Recent events have been cited as a significant source of public anger towards government authorities.
Among the notable incidents were the tragic stabbing death of a middle school supervisor by a student, and violent incidents following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the Champions League.
Crime levels have now risen to the second most pressing concern for French citizens, following purchasing power, as highlighted in the monthly barometer.
The dramatic divide in perceptions about crime is noted, with the issue being almost ignored by the political left, while it remains a priority for the right and far-right factions.
Within the government, ministers from the right-wing party remain the most favored among the public.
Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau holds a 36% approval rating, while Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin follows with a 34% approval rating.
Minister of Culture Rachida Dati's approval has notably declined, dropping her to fifth place with only 13% approval.
In terms of potential successors to Emmanuel Macron, the barometer indicates rising support for far-right leaders Jordan Bardella at 35% and Marine Le Pen at 33%, followed by Bruno Retailleau at 29%.
Analysts suggest that the far-right electorate is beginning to accept that Bardella may be their candidate for the 2027 election, as Le Pen's candidacy faces uncertainty following a ruling that has resulted in her being ineligible for office.
The survey was conducted online between June 11 and June 13, 2025, with a representative sample of 1,003 individuals aged 18 and older, utilizing quota sampling methods.