French voters’ opinions on the Emmanuel Macron has fallen to an even lower level since calling early elections this month, with some criticizing him as narcissistic and isolated from society.
“The negative view of the President’s face has never been greater,” said Alain Dumachel, journalist and author of a recent book about the French President.
Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7 “symbolizes and reinforces this negative view,” he said.
Voter alienation from Macron was further reinforced by the poor performance of the president’s Renaissance party in the European elections.
The presidential party received only 14.6% of the votes, behind the far-right parties that almost won40% of the votes, including 31% for National Alert (RN).
Its popularity has declined since then, losing five to seven points and reaching a total of 26-28%, depending on the survey.
“It makes sense that a French president would be unpopular”
It is characteristic that the increase in popularity after a presidential election gives rise to disenchantment among the population.
“All presidents have been unpopular, even Charles de Gaulle,” Dumachel told Euronews.
Emmanuel Macron’s predecessor, François Hollande, has seen his approval ratings fall below 20% during his presidency.
Among the voters who supported him in the first round of the May 2022 presidential elections, Macron’s support fell by 11 points.
“Many voters characterized Macron’s decision to dissolve the Assembly as a betrayal,” he said.
“They are bothered by his character”
His character also irritates the French, as his party’s candidates no longer feature his face on campaign posters.
Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament is seen as “a reaction to wounded pride, a lesson to people who voted badly,” Dumachel added.
Furthermore, he commented that “for some, it reinforces the image of an authoritarian and arrogant leader who promoted unpopular reforms through parliament”.
He has been criticized for avoiding consultation and being out of touch with the concerns of his fellow citizens, with some citing his past as an investment banker.
Popular leader in Europe so far
Despite this, Emmanuel Macron is viewed favorably by Europeans and is the second most popular leader, with 41%, behind only Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, with 47%, according to an Ipsos poll for Euronews carried out in March 2024 in 18 European Union countries.
But that popularity could wane if his decision weakens Europe, allowing a far-right government to take power in Paris.