French Support Macron's PM Choice Despite Short-Term Expectations: Poll

Photo : Reuters

The French public shows considerable satisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of Michel Barnier, a centre-right politician, as the new prime minister, according to a recent poll. However, there are widespread doubts about the longevity of his tenure in office.

The Ifop poll, conducted for the Journal du Dimanche, revealed that 52% of respondents expressed approval for the selection of the 73-year-old Barnier, who previously served as France's foreign minister and led the European Union's Brexit negotiations. This level of satisfaction is similar to the 53% approval rating given to Barnier’s predecessor, Gabriel Attal, when he was appointed prime minister earlier in the year.

Barnier's appointment comes amid political turbulence following recent snap elections called by Macron, which resulted in a fragmented National Assembly with no party holding an outright majority. The move is seen as a potential shift in the political landscape after a period of instability.

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Despite the general approval, Barnier faces significant opposition. Over the weekend, more than 100,000 left-wing protesters took to the streets across France, denouncing Barnier's appointment and accusing Macron of a "power grab." The demonstration underscored the contentious nature of Barnier’s selection.

The Ifop poll also highlights that Barnier is viewed positively by a majority of respondents: 62% consider him competent, 61% find him open to dialogue, and 60% regard him as likeable. However, Barnier's position remains precarious, with 74% of those surveyed believing he is unlikely to remain in office for a long period. This sentiment is partly fueled by the left's intent to challenge his appointment through a no-confidence motion.

The poll was conducted online from September 5 to 6, involving 950 adults, with a margin of error of up to 3.1 percentage points.