Macron’s popularity in March fell to the lowest level since the Yellow Vests

Emmanuel Macron’s popularity has fallen 13 points since his re-election in May 2022. According to Ifop’s monthly barometer published by the Journal du Dimanche, his approval rating dropped to 28% in March, the lowest since early 2019 at the end of the yellow vest crisis when the government uses Article 49.3 to carry out pension reform.

The head of state is satisfied with 28% (-4 points) and 70% dissatisfied according to this study, conducted between March 9 and 16, that is, during the negotiations that ultimately led to Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne resorting to paragraph Article 49 Section 3 of the Constitution passed a controversial reform that legally raises the retirement age from 62 to 64.

This article allows for the adoption of the text without a vote, except for a vote of no confidence. The opposition’s two petitions are to be considered on Monday.

Elizabeth Bourne’s popularity is stable

Emmanuel Macron’s popularity reached its lowest point (23%) in December 2018, at the height of the yellow vest protests. For its part, the popularity of Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne remained stable in March: 29% satisfied, but slightly more dissatisfied (67%, +1). She remains at the lowest level of popularity since her arrival in Matignon in May.

The survey was conducted online with a sample of 1,928 people aged 18 and over, representative of the French population, using a quota method with a margin of error of 1 to 2.3 points.