Political Instability Emerges as France's Defining Event of 2025, Survey Reveals

For the second year running, political instability has been identified by nearly half of French citizens as the most significant event of 2025. A survey conducted by Odoxa-Backbone with 1,005 representative individuals between December 17 and 18 shows that 47% of respondents see the breakdown of political consensus—highlighted by the collapse of François Bayrou's government and ongoing budgetary deadlocks—as the defining issue of the year.

Following closely, 40% of participants cited the return of Donald Trump to the White House as a key event, with 33% mentioning the war in Ukraine and 27% the conflict in Gaza. The perception of significant events varied markedly by political affiliation: 50% of supporters of La France Insoumise (LFI) prioritized the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while 57% of Rassemblement National (RN) voters focused on purchasing power issues. Among Les Républicains (LR) supporters, the incarceration of former president Nicolas Sarkozy was noted as the third most important event, with 31% highlighting it following political instability and Trump's return.

Donald Trump emerged as the most impactful political figure of the year, recognized by 49% of respondents. He was followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 35% and Russian President Vladimir Putin at 31%.

Looking ahead to 2026, the French public's priorities reflect socioeconomic concerns: 43% desire an increase in purchasing power, closely followed by 42% demanding reductions in crime and insecurity, and 35% seeking to reduce immigration. These priorities also shift with political leanings; supporters of LFI and the Ecologists emphasize poverty reduction (71% and 49% respectively), while LR and RN voters place immigration reduction at the forefront (55% and 70%). Renaissance followers prioritize military capacity enhancement (33%), and Socialist supporters balance their focus between purchasing power and security concerns (43%).

This survey underscores the fractured political climate in France and its profound impact on the public's outlook. The emphasis on political instability over other global and domestic issues highlights an acute national concern as France transitions into 2026.