Public Opinion Turning Against Macron's Political Legacy as 2027 Presidential Election Approaches
A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of French citizens perceive Emmanuel Macron's governance as failing, raising questions about the future of the political movement he has fostered since 2017.
As France prepares for the 2027 presidential election, a new survey indicates a notable shift in public opinion regarding Emmanuel Macron's political legacy.
According to a poll conducted by Odoxa - Backbone Consulting, released on May 30, 2025, approximately 80% of respondents consider the macronism political project to be a failure, with 82% asserting that it has not met their expectations since its inception in 2017. The survey found that 59% of participants do not regard macronism as a legitimate political ideology.
The poll also highlights a decline in support for Macron, with only 26% of those who had previously supported him in the first rounds of the 2017 and 2022 elections expressing confidence in the sustainability of his political approach.
Among those who voted for him in past elections, a substantial 63% shared the sentiment that his political project has been unsuccessful.
Additionally, the survey revealed that merely 17% of former Macron voters would consider supporting him again should he run in the upcoming presidential election.
In contrast, 70% of those affiliated with Macron's Renaissance party indicated they would support him again.
Looking towards potential successors, Gabriel Attal and Élisabeth Borne were identified as front-runners within the Macronist wing, garnering support from 45% and 35% of former Macron voters, respectively.
Other potential candidates include Édouard Philippe (31%), Gérald Darmanin (27%), and Yaël Braun-Pivet (22%).
In another significant political development, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, took a strong stance against the proposed implementation of a social VAT by Prime Minister François Bayrou during her visit to New Caledonia on the same day.
Le Pen threatened to censure the Bayrou government if it proceeded with this measure, which aims to adjust VAT rates to fund social security, asserting that it unfairly burdens the less affluent.
She criticized the government for failing to take decisive actions regarding state expenditures and immigration costs.
The concept of a social VAT involves lowering employer contributions while increasing VAT rates, a move that has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for low-income families.
Bayrou's government is currently examining strategies to address France's substantial public debt, one of the highest in the eurozone, as he prepares the budget for 2026.
Le Pen's comments reflect her party's longstanding criticism of perceived government overreach and tax policies, echoing sentiments shared throughout the political spectrum.
Historical context is provided by the National Rally's censure of previous administrations and its ongoing demands for further concessions regarding taxation and government spending.
In an adjacent political discussion, Macron recently expressed a possible shift towards recognizing Palestinian statehood in light of a planned UN conference on June 18, 2025. This potential recognition marks a significant evolution in Macron's diplomatic posture, moving from skepticism upon his election in 2017 to a current acknowledgment of its political necessity.
The debate around Palestinian statehood has been characterized by divergent opinions among France's political factions.
While left-wing parties have traditionally supported Palestinian recognition, many right-wing figures, including members of the Republicans, oppose such moves, citing ongoing violence and lacking preconditions for statehood.
As the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 election, these developments highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding governance, public sentiment, and policy direction in present-day France.
According to a poll conducted by Odoxa - Backbone Consulting, released on May 30, 2025, approximately 80% of respondents consider the macronism political project to be a failure, with 82% asserting that it has not met their expectations since its inception in 2017. The survey found that 59% of participants do not regard macronism as a legitimate political ideology.
The poll also highlights a decline in support for Macron, with only 26% of those who had previously supported him in the first rounds of the 2017 and 2022 elections expressing confidence in the sustainability of his political approach.
Among those who voted for him in past elections, a substantial 63% shared the sentiment that his political project has been unsuccessful.
Additionally, the survey revealed that merely 17% of former Macron voters would consider supporting him again should he run in the upcoming presidential election.
In contrast, 70% of those affiliated with Macron's Renaissance party indicated they would support him again.
Looking towards potential successors, Gabriel Attal and Élisabeth Borne were identified as front-runners within the Macronist wing, garnering support from 45% and 35% of former Macron voters, respectively.
Other potential candidates include Édouard Philippe (31%), Gérald Darmanin (27%), and Yaël Braun-Pivet (22%).
In another significant political development, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, took a strong stance against the proposed implementation of a social VAT by Prime Minister François Bayrou during her visit to New Caledonia on the same day.
Le Pen threatened to censure the Bayrou government if it proceeded with this measure, which aims to adjust VAT rates to fund social security, asserting that it unfairly burdens the less affluent.
She criticized the government for failing to take decisive actions regarding state expenditures and immigration costs.
The concept of a social VAT involves lowering employer contributions while increasing VAT rates, a move that has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for low-income families.
Bayrou's government is currently examining strategies to address France's substantial public debt, one of the highest in the eurozone, as he prepares the budget for 2026.
Le Pen's comments reflect her party's longstanding criticism of perceived government overreach and tax policies, echoing sentiments shared throughout the political spectrum.
Historical context is provided by the National Rally's censure of previous administrations and its ongoing demands for further concessions regarding taxation and government spending.
In an adjacent political discussion, Macron recently expressed a possible shift towards recognizing Palestinian statehood in light of a planned UN conference on June 18, 2025. This potential recognition marks a significant evolution in Macron's diplomatic posture, moving from skepticism upon his election in 2017 to a current acknowledgment of its political necessity.
The debate around Palestinian statehood has been characterized by divergent opinions among France's political factions.
While left-wing parties have traditionally supported Palestinian recognition, many right-wing figures, including members of the Republicans, oppose such moves, citing ongoing violence and lacking preconditions for statehood.
As the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 election, these developments highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding governance, public sentiment, and policy direction in present-day France.
