Macron’s popularity lowest since taking office

French President Emmanuel Macron's popularity has reached its lowest point since he assumed office in 2017, according to a recent poll. Only 15% of respondents expressed a favorable view of the president, a decline of one percentage point from the previous month and the lowest rating of his tenure. This new survey, conducted by Ipsos BVA-Cesi, highlights the challenges Macron faces as France grapples with soaring fuel prices and protests from high school students.

The poll respondents' primary concern is their purchasing power, followed by worries about the country's healthcare system and national debt. When it comes to potential successors, far-right figures Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen emerge as the most popular options, with approval ratings of 33% and 32%, respectively. However, both candidates saw a drop in support over the past month; Bardella's rating fell by three points while Le Pen's declined by four points.

This decline in support was fueled by a report that accused Bardella of writing antisemitic messages in his youth, discovered through an old Facebook account. The poll, commissioned by La Tribune Dimanche, surveyed 1,000 adults on September 7-8, with a margin of error ranging from 0.6 to 3.1 percentage points.