Rising Political Disconnection Sparks Historic Concern Among French Citizens

A recent study by the Centre de recherches politiques de Sciences Po (Cevipof) reveals an unprecedented rise in French citizens' concern about political instability, marking political crisis as their foremost societal worry for the first time in modern history. According to the "Priorités françaises" barometer conducted in collaboration with L’ObSoCo, 30% of respondents now cite political crisis as the root cause of societal problems, a significant increase of 17 points since 2015 and 23 points since 2020. This shift largely stems from the aftermath of President Emmanuel Macron's failed attempt to dissolve the National Assembly in June 2024, an event that intensified public perception of political fragmentation and delegitimization.

The study highlights a growing disconnection between citizens and political elites, with three distinct layers of public distrust: personal delegitimization of the president, challenges to institutional functionality, and a broad rejection of the political class, which many perceive as disconnected and predatory. Worryingly, there is mounting anxiety about potential anti-democratic shifts, with discourse mentioning "rampant trumpism" and fears of "fascism," reflecting deep concerns about the stability of French democracy.

In response to rising political disengagement, particularly among young citizens, Aix-Marseille Université has launched an innovative campaign for the 2026 municipal elections titled "L'indifférence ne fait pas la différence" (Indifference Doesn’t Make a Difference). Targeting Gen Z voters aged 18-25, the campaign uses vibrant posters referencing popular culture, including figures like Jul and Théodora and local sports team Olympique de Marseille, to resonate with youth. University president Eric Berton emphasized that 40% of young people currently do not vote, exposing a troubling gap in democratic participation among the demographic most affected by issues like housing, employment, and environmental policies.

To tackle this disengagement, the campaign includes a comprehensive survey conducted with the Jean Jaurès Foundation and Ifop to gather young voters' views and obstacles to participation. The survey results will be shared with municipal candidates, who will then partake in forum-debates in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, offering a platform for youth to hold politicians accountable. Berton stressed the urgency: "If young people do not engage with politics, they risk losing their influence, as political decisions will continue to impact their lives regardless of their participation."

This dual perspective of growing public skepticism and proactive efforts to reengage disaffected youth encapsulates the complex political atmosphere in France as the 2026 elections approach, underscoring challenges to French democracy and the critical need for revitalized political connection.