French Public Mood Turns Pessimistic as Macron Faces Political Gloom Ahead of 2026

A recent Ipsos survey reveals a stark pessimism among the French population regarding the year 2026, contrasting sharply with global optimism. Only 41% of French respondents believe 2026 will be better than 2025, compared to 71% globally. This sentiment follows a challenging 2025, which 85% of French people deemed a bad year, largely due to political instability.

The survey highlights heightened concerns about social unrest and security, with nearly 70% of French respondents anticipating protests against government governance in 2026, higher than the 59% global average. Additionally, 41% fear a terrorist attack in the coming year, surpassing the 29% global figure.

Economic outlooks are equally grim; only 17% of French respondents believe the global economy will improve in 2026, compared with 49% internationally. Anxiety over job security linked to artificial intelligence is also prominent, with 73% worried about AI's impact on employment, well above the 43% global concern. Internationally, 65% of French do not expect the war in Ukraine to end by 2026, again exceeding the 49% global average.

Socially, 73% of French hope to strengthen family and friend relationships in 2026, a lower desire than the 82% seen worldwide. There is also rising awareness of social media's negative effects on mental wellbeing, with 40% of French wanting to reduce its use. Interest in following global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup is also muted in France, with only 49% planning to watch, compared to 73% in Argentina.

Against this backdrop of public pessimism and social tensions, President Emmanuel Macron delivered his New Year’s Eve speech, acknowledging the nation’s "sinistrose" or gloom. Macron sought to portray 2025 as a "useful" and "active" year for France despite ongoing political instability. His address underscores the challenge of restoring public confidence amid such a fraught atmosphere as he faces the final full year of his presidency.