Poll finds 78% of young French adults distrust politicians ahead of 2027 election
An Ipsos-BVA survey of 3,030 French youth shows 78% believe politicians poorly prepare their future, even as 80% plan to vote in the 2027 presidential election.
Distrust in political leadership
A national survey conducted by Ipsos-BVA reveals widespread skepticism among French youth toward the political establishment. According to the poll of 3,030 people aged 18 to 29, surveyed between 23 July and 5 August 2026, 78% of respondents state that political leaders poorly prepare their future. An identical 78% feel less listened to by politicians than older generations, while only 25% believe elected officials understand their daily difficulties and make decisions in their interests. Furthermore, 64% express no trust in candidates for the 2027 presidential election to take their concerns into account.
- Expect to work longer for pension
- 89 %
- Expect harder homeownership access
- 86 %
- Expect harder search for stable job
- 84 %
- Feel leaders prepare future poorly
- 78 %
- Worried about the future of France
- 76 %
- Worried about the future of the world
- 74 %
Generational pessimism despite personal satisfaction
The findings demonstrate a distinct gap between private contentment and collective anxiety. While 77% of young respondents report being satisfied with their personal lives, 76% express worry about the future of France, and 74% are concerned about the future of the world. Only 25% express confidence in the nation's trajectory, a figure that drops to 16% among respondents facing financial difficulties compared with 32% among those who are financially comfortable.
More than three-quarters of young people say they are satisfied with the life they lead, but they oscillate between personal confidence in their professional future and collective pessimism.
Economic expectations reflect deep concern over generational decline. Nearly nine in ten respondents (89%) believe their generation will need to work longer than previous generations to qualify for a retirement pension. In addition, 86% expect greater difficulty purchasing a home, and 84% anticipate more obstacles in securing a stable job. These economic worries have prompted 79% of surveyed youth to contemplate moving abroad, with 34% having considered it seriously.
Purchasing power and key policy priorities
When asked to select their main societal priorities, respondents identified purchasing power and living standards as their leading concern at 34%. Other prominent issues include insecurity at 25%, environmental protection at 24%, and discrimination, sexism, and violence against minorities at 24%. Social inequality and precarious living conditions followed closely at 23%. Survey analysts reported that living with dignity established itself as the single most critical priority across the cohort.
- Purchasing power and living standards
- 34 %
- Insecurity
- 25 %
- Environmental protection
- 24 %
- Discrimination and minority violence
- 24 %
- Social inequality and precariousness
- 23 %
Civic engagement and the 2027 election
Despite widespread skepticism toward political candidates, young citizens report strong intentions to participate in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Three-quarters of respondents say they are interested in the race, and 80% plan to cast a ballot, with more than half expressing certainty in their decision to vote. For the non-voting minority, the primary explanation given is the conviction that voting will not change anything.
The survey was commissioned by Aix-Marseille University and the Jeunesse 2027 collective, organized in partnership with the think tank Le Cercle des Économistes. The initiative brought together a working group of 200 young individuals during the summer of 2026 to formulate 10 policy proposals to present to presidential contenders. Publication of the survey on 6 October 2026 coincided with student demonstrations across France concerning education and study conditions.
