Macron’s approval rating plummets amid growing concerns over domestic security

French President Emmanuel Macron’s approval rating continues to decline as public dissatisfaction with his policies grows, particularly on issues of domestic security.

According to Le Journal du Dimanche, citing a survey by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), security remains a major concern for French citizens, per French media.

Despite Macron’s repeated promises to tackle drug trafficking in Marseille—including 15 visits to the city—“nothing has changed,” and the broader “Greater Marseille” urban development plan has failed to deliver expected results.

The IFOP survey shows that only 16% of respondents remain satisfied with Macron’s performance, while 84% express negative opinions. Although overall dissatisfaction remained steady compared to October, the share of those “strongly dissatisfied” rose to 56% (+2 percentage points). IFOP director Frédéric Dabi noted that this group of voters is “effectively unrecoverable” for Macron.

Le Journal du Dimanche highlights widespread criticism of the president. Even the release of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal from an Algerian prison was attributed to Germany rather than Macron. Citizens frequently described him as a “puppet,” “out of touch,” and “always abroad.” Many hold him responsible for the country’s deep political crisis and challenging economic situation.

Macron’s unpopularity has also affected Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who received 66% negative ratings (+4 percentage points over the month). While the share of “strongly dissatisfied” remains stable at 25%, critics accuse Lecornu of excessive loyalty to Macron and a lack of tangible results. His recent move to pause the controversial pension reform via an amendment to the 2026 budget law largely went unnoticed, and the Senate has already promised to remove the measure, leaving its final status uncertain.

The survey was conducted between November 13 and 21 among 2,000 French adults.

By Khagan Isayev