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French Prime Minister Bayrou Faces Record Popularity Decline; Macron Gains Slightly

François Bayrou's approval plunges 11 points due to pension reform backlash and Bétharram affair, while Emmanuel Macron sees modest improvement linked to international leadership.

François Bayrou visite une usine d’armement du fournisseur du système de défense militaire franco-allemand KNDS à Bourges, le 21 mars 2025.
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Overview

  • François Bayrou's popularity has dropped to 27%, the lowest since his appointment in December 2024, following an 11-point decline in March 2025.
  • Criticism of Bayrou centers on his handling of the Bétharram affair, involving allegations of violence at an educational institution, and his decision to reopen the contentious pension reform debate.
  • Bayrou's approval ratings have fallen significantly among women, with a 13-point drop in this demographic alone.
  • President Emmanuel Macron's approval rating increased by one point to 24%, marking the second consecutive month of slight improvement.
  • Macron's modest rebound is attributed to his perceived effectiveness on the international stage, particularly in addressing geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Russia.