Public Trust in French Leadership Continues to Wane in May 2026

Recent surveys reveal a notable decline in public confidence toward France's top political figures, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. According to an Elabe survey for Les Échos, President Macron's trust rating has dropped to 20% in May 2026, declining by 3 points this month and 5 points over two months. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lecornu's rating fell to 23%, a 1-point decrease in May and 2 points over two months, though his rating remains higher than at the start of his tenure.

The data highlights widespread distrust, with 74% of French citizens expressing skepticism towards Macron's capacity to address the country's challenges, and 47% stating they have "no confidence at all." Macron's support has significantly eroded among his own electorate, dropping to 54%, and among left-wing voters—only 9% of supporters of Jean-Luc Mélenchon and 26% of Yannick Jadot's supporters express trust. Declines are also seen across social groups including retirees (19%, down 2 points), executives (29%, down 6 points), and intermediate professions (16%, down 8 points), while trust remains stable among working-class voters at 18%. Notably, younger voters between 18-25 show relatively higher trust levels at 28%.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces a similarly low trust level with 64% expressing distrust, stable despite his rating slipping slightly. Lecornu lost support among Macron's electorate (58%, down 3 points) and left-wing voters, although he saw a marginal gain among supporters of Marine Le Pen (8%, up 2 points).

In contrast to government officials, political leaders of the Rassemblement National retain stronger approval ratings—Jordan Bardella stands at 37% (down 1 point) and Marine Le Pen at 34% (stable). Édouard Philippe ranks third at 32%, followed by Gabriel Attal at 28%. François Ruffin is the most popular left-wing figure at 24%, gaining 3 points, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon experienced a 7-point increase after announcing his presidential candidacy.

This survey indicates a significant challenge for Macron and his government, as dwindling public confidence poses hurdles to governance and political stability in France.