Poll: Macron the Least Popular President in Modern French History
A national Elabe poll shows Emmanuel Macron at 13% approval, a historic low for modern France, with 82% not trusting him as riots and a student-left protest movement intensify nationwide. The decline comes as Macron faces criticism for perceived ineffectiveness during unrest that caused billions in damages and injuries among police and others. Marine Le Pen leads public support at 35%, aided by a tougher law-and-order stance and recent campaigning, while some former Macron voters shift toward her. Analysts foresee a realignment to the right ahead of next year’s elections, though turnout and dynamics remain fluid in a polarized climate.
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The Elabe poll places Macron’s approval at 13%, down 11 percentage points since August, with a record 82% saying they do not trust him and 60% not trusting him at all.
Elabe notes the drop marks the lowest confidence level ever recorded in its barometer, surpassing Hollande’s 14% in 2016 and Macron’s own 14% low in 2025.
Riots linked to a student-led protest movement have coincided with the president’s perceived impotence, as damage totals rise and numerous law enforcement officers are injured.
Macron’s government is criticized for not addressing migration policy’s role in social divisions, with critics arguing it underpins looting and unrest.
Marine Le Pen leads with 35% support, followed by Jordan Bardella at 33%, with Le Pen vowing firmer penalties and expulsion for foreign offenders, boosting her appeal amid the unrest.
A separate poll indicates between 16% and 19% of Macron voters from 2022 would back Le Pen in the first round, signaling a realignment of some prior supporters.
Youth support for Le Pen is rising, with about one-third of 18–24-year-olds backing her, suggesting a potential broader realignment to the right in the political landscape.