Macron's popularity hits record low
Macron's approval rating has fallen to 19%, with Bayrou at just 18%, making a combined approval of 37% – the lowest in modern France, according to a new IFOP survey published on Monday. Even during the Yellow Vest protests – a major anti-government movement that began in 2018 over fuel taxes and economic inequality – the French leader's lowest rating was 23%.
Macron's support has dropped sharply among his 2022 voters, with only 49% still backing him – down 12 points. His approval has also declined among business leaders and executives, falling by 18 and 8 points, respectively.
Bayrou, who was appointed after Michel Barnier's government collapsed in late 2024 following months of coalition infighting and public backlash over mishandled pension reforms, is now advancing a controversial austerity plan. Last week, he introduced new tax measures on high-income earners to help close a €43.8 billion ($48 billion) budget gap.
The austerity package includes a freeze on pensions and social benefits, healthcare spending caps, and the scrapping of two national holidays to increase productivity and reduce government spending. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has called for Bayrou's resignation, calling the measures 'intolerable injustices.'
Despite cuts in social services, defense spending continues to rise.
Macron has pledged €6.5 billion more for the military over two years, citing heightened threats to European security. This comes as France's public debt reaches €3.3 trillion – around 114% of GDP.
A new French defense review has warned of a potential 'major war' in Europe by 2030, identifying Russia as a leading threat. The Kremlin has denied having any intention to attack the West, and has accused NATO countries of exploiting perceptions of Russia to justify their military build-up.
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