Recent survey data indicates that public confidence in French President Emmanuel Macron has fallen to its lowest level since he assumed office in 2017. According to a nationwide poll conducted by Toluna-Harris Interactive in collaboration with the news channel LCI, only 25 percent of French citizens currently express trust in President Macron's ability to govern effectively. This figure matches the lowest recorded point for his presidency, last seen in October, and reflects a four-percentage-point decline compared to the previous month.

The monthly survey, which canvassed 1,099 respondents on December 22 and 23, highlights persistent challenges for the French head of state, particularly regarding domestic policy matters. The poll results reveal that President Macron's approval ratings have remained below 30 percent for several months, suggesting ongoing public dissatisfaction with his administration's handling of key national issues.

Political and Economic Challenges Impact Macron's Standing

Macron's declining approval is largely attributed to internal political and economic difficulties. France is currently facing significant fiscal challenges, with the nation still lacking a finalized budget for the coming year after prolonged parliamentary disputes. Earlier in the year, a government crisis unfolded when parliament rejected a proposed budget, leading to heightened political instability. While the current government, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, narrowly avoided collapse, concerns over fiscal management continue to weigh on public opinion.

Analysts suggest that the French electorate is primarily evaluating President Macron based on his domestic policy performance, rather than his international initiatives. Early in his presidency and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Macron enjoyed much higher approval ratings, with over half of the population expressing confidence in his leadership. However, those numbers have steadily declined as economic and social challenges have persisted.

Shifting Political Preferences and Rising Opposition

The survey also points to evolving political preferences within France. Jordan Bardella, leader of the right-wing Rassemblement National (RN) party, currently enjoys the highest favorability among major political figures, with 42 percent of respondents holding a positive view of him. Bardella is followed by Marine Le Pen, the RN's parliamentary leader, who has a 39 percent favorability rating. Bruno Retailleau, head of the conservative Les Républicains (LR), is viewed positively by 30 percent of participants.

Within the government, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin holds the highest approval rating at 38 percent. In contrast, the approval rating for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu remains stable at 34 percent, showing little change from the previous year. Most other prominent politicians have experienced declines in public support over the past twelve months.

Public Engagement and Interest in Presidential Addresses

The survey also reveals a decreasing interest in President Macron's annual televised New Year's address. Only 37 percent of those surveyed indicated that they intend to watch this year's speech, a drop from 40 percent last year and 43 percent two years ago. This decline in viewership reflects broader trends of waning public engagement with the presidency and growing skepticism towards the government's policy direction.

The latest survey underlines the challenges facing President Macron as he navigates fiscal, political, and social uncertainties. With public trust at a historic low and opposition leaders gaining traction, the French political landscape appears increasingly fragmented ahead of key upcoming national debates and decisions.