French President Emmanuel Macron is facing growing discontent among voters, especially since he called for snap elections and dissolved the National Assembly. This decision has been perceived by many as a sign of his disconnection from the public and a self-serving move.
Key Reasons for Macron’s Unpopularity:
- Perceived Narcissism and Disconnection: Macron is often criticized for being narcissistic and out of touch with the everyday concerns of French citizens. His recent decision to dissolve parliament has only amplified this perception, causing frustration and anger among voters.
- Dissolution of the National Assembly: The decision to call for legislative elections on June 30 and July 7 was seen as unnecessary and a strategic move that backfired. This has been interpreted as a betrayal by some of his own supporters.
- Low Electoral Support: Macron’s Renaissance party performed poorly in the European elections, securing only 14.6% of the vote, while far-right parties gained nearly 40%, with the National Rally (RN) alone securing 31%. This result highlighted the waning support for Macron among the electorate.
- Approval Rating Decline: Macron’s approval ratings have been steadily dropping, with recent polls showing a decrease of five to seven points, leaving him with an approval rating of only 26-28%.
- Historical Context: It is not uncommon for French presidents to face declining popularity after their election. For instance, Macron’s predecessor François Hollande saw his approval rating fall below 20% during his term.
- Internal Criticism: Even among voters who supported Macron in the first round of the May 2022 presidential elections, his support has dropped by 11 points. Many within his electorate feel a strong sense of betrayal due to his recent political maneuvers.
Macron’s recent political decisions, combined with a perception of arrogance and detachment from the public, have significantly contributed to his declining popularity. The results of the upcoming legislative elections will be crucial in determining his ability to maintain political stability and regain public trust.
