Macron’s popularity lowest since taking office

French President Emmanuel Macron's approval ratings have hit their lowest point since assuming office in 2017, according to a recent poll. Conducted by Ipsos BVA-Cesi and published on Saturday, the survey revealed that only 15% of respondents held a favorable view of Macron, marking a one-point decrease from the previous month and the lowest score of his presidency.

The poll coincides with increasing challenges facing France, including record fuel prices and protests by high school students, with purchasing power emerging as the top concern among respondents. The economic and social issues, such as worries about the future of the country's welfare system and France's debt levels, also garnered significant attention.

When considering potential successors to Macron, far-right leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen emerged as the most popular options, with approval ratings of 33% and 32% respectively. However, both leaders experienced a decline in support, with Bardella's rating dropping by three points and Le Pen's by four points since last month.

Bardella's popularity suffered after a report exposed him writing antisemitic messages in his youth from an old Facebook account, while Le Pen's approval was affected by recent controversies. The online poll, commissioned by La Tribune Dimanche newspaper, surveyed 1,000 adults on September 7-8 and had a margin of error between 0.6 and 3.1 percentage points.