French President’s Popularity Rating on the Decline

Last month, President Emmanuel Macron’s popularity dropped to the lowest rating for a French president just two months into his term, the latest poll has indicated, in what is a sign that controversy over spending cuts and tax reform are taking a toll.

In an Ipsos poll, forty-two percent of those surveyed indicated that they have a positive view of President Macron’s action as president, with as many having a negative view. Positive ratings were down by three points from June, with negative ones up by fifteen points, with more people than in June having an opinion. The poll was carried out on 21 – 22 July, amongst 1,022 people.

Ipsos has noted that even former Socialist President Francois Holland, who turned into France’s most unpopular president in modern history early in his mandate, still benefited from 55 percent positive rating two months into his term.   President Macron’s popularity ratings however remain higher than that of most French politicians, with only Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot ahead of him in the Ipsos poll.

Last month was tough for President Macron, who swept into power in May on promises of non-partisan rule and an end to traditional Left-versus-Right politics. July was marked by a public row over military spending cuts with top armed forces Chief General Pierre de Villiers, which led to de Villiers’ resignation. Other controversies linked to his tax and spending plans have also emerged.