Macron's favorable rating drops to 15%, lowest since he took office in 2017

A new low in the barometer

Only 15% of respondents in the latest Ipsos BVA-Cesi barometer view President Emmanuel Macron favorably, his lowest level since he took office in 2017. That is one point below the 16% recorded a month earlier, when that figure was already his weakest score. The barometer was published on Saturday by La Tribune Dimanche, which commissioned the online survey of 1,000 adults. The survey was conducted on 7 and 8 September, and its sampling margin of error runs from 0.6 to 3.1 points. Among voters of the central bloc, 53% still back Macron while 47% hold a negative view.

Concerns over purchasing power and the social system

Respondents named high energy costs as their biggest worry, and the figures put purchasing power first, cited by 54%. Concern about the future of the social system was cited by 44%, and the country's debt by 33%. The poll came as fuel prices reached record levels and high school pupils protested across the country. The survey describes Macron as the focal point of these worries, which weigh on the political climate in France.

Budget strain and protests

The government expects total debt to reach 121.7% of gross domestic product next year and plans savings of tens of billions of euros in the state budget. France is already more indebted than any other EU country, and interest payments this year amount to almost 80 billion euros. Financial markets are growing concerned about this trajectory. Strikes and demonstrations against the government's savings course have taken place in recent weeks. Nationwide pupil protests for better learning conditions and equal opportunities caused numerous injuries and arrests.

Prime minister and presidential contenders

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu gained two points to 22% favorable, following a seven-point fall a month earlier. Jordan Bardella (33%) and Marine Le Pen (32%) remain at the top of the list of potential successors, but they lost three and four points respectively compared with the previous month. Édouard Philippe rose one point to 20%, placing third in the list. Mediapart published antisemitic messages within the past two weeks that are attributed to Bardella, the RN president, who disputes being their author. The allegations say the messages were sent as a teenager from an old Facebook account. The presidential election is due next spring, and the poll offers a snapshot of the field before that vote.