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'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.
Le Journal du Dimanche 
