Rassemblement National Gains Ground Amid Rising Pessimism and Political Distrust in France
Ipsos surveys in 2025 reveal rising public pessimism in France and increasing support for the Rassemblement National amid widespread political distrust and declining faith in traditional parties.
- • 90% of French citizens believe France is in decline, a record high.
- • 47% of respondents perceive the Rassemblement National as capable of governing, up 5 points from 2024.
- • Support for traditional parties like Socialist Party and Renaissance has fallen significantly.
- • Distrust in political institutions is widespread, with only mayors and RN maintaining relative trust.
Key details
A recent Ipsos survey, conducted from October 1 to 9, 2025, reveals a deepening pessimism among French citizens regarding the state of their country, with 90% believing France is in decline—a historic high. This bleak outlook, fueled by social, environmental, geopolitical, and political crises, corresponds with rampant distrust of political institutions and leaders.
The survey underscores a striking shift in the French political landscape, with the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) emerging as a significant force. Nearly half of respondents (47%) now see the RN as capable of governing, marking a 5-point increase from 2024 and a 15-point rise since 2020. Additionally, 42% feel that the RN represents their concerns, the highest among all political parties. While nearly half (49%) still consider the RN a threat to democracy, this is a notable improvement—a 12-point drop since 2020.
Support for traditional parties continues to wane sharply. The Socialist Party and Renaissance garner only 8% support each, while the RN enjoys a solid 22% backing, up 8 points from five years ago. The RN’s growing credibility now rivals that of Les Républicains and surpasses Renaissance by 17 points, reflecting a rightward political shift.
Distrust extends broadly across institutions. The presidency's popularity has collapsed to 22%, a 22-point decline since 2017. Parliamentary confidence is similarly depressed, with 77% distrusting the National Assembly—escalating to 83% following the resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Public discontent is palpable, with 43% calling for an Assembly dissolution and 58% advocating for President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation. In contrast, local mayors maintain relatively strong trust at 68%.
Ipsos study director Matthieu Gallard characterizes the nation's mood as one of fatigue, anxiety, and a yearning for authority. This climate positions the RN as a credible alternative for many voters, especially as the 2027 presidential election approaches. Meanwhile, parties like La France Insoumise face growing perceptions of radicalism, with 70% labeling it as extreme left.
Overall, the Ipsos surveys illustrate a transforming French political terrain marked by widespread dissatisfaction and shifting allegiances, elevating the RN’s status amid a declining faith in traditional political actors. This evolving sentiment highlights significant challenges for France’s governing institutions and highlights a potential redefinition of its political future.