The thirteenth edition of the annual 'Fractures françaises' survey, conducted by Ipsos for Le Monde, highlights growing distrust in French democracy. Nearly 96% of French people say they are dissatisfied or angry about the country's situation, with 90% believing the nation is in decline. This political instability, marked by governmental crises, strengthens the sense of dysfunction.
The 2025 'Fractures françaises' survey, conducted by Ipsos for Le Monde, Cevipof, Fondation Jean Jaurès, and Institut Montaigne, paints an alarming picture of French society. Following months of political instability, the results show an increase in distrust, despair, and declinism. Two-thirds of respondents remain attached to democracy, but 42% of those under 35 believe another system would be at least as good, and the temptation for a strong far-right power is growing in several population categories.
The gap between voters and representatives is widening: 96% of those surveyed express dissatisfaction or anger at the national situation. Emmanuel Macron's second term worsens the despair, with 90% of French people perceiving national decline, up from 75% in 2022. The executive bears the brunt of distrust, while Parliament, despite the 2022 and 2024 legislative elections, has failed to restore confidence, its approval rating plummeting after censure motions.
Recent crises exacerbate these ills: a prime minister's resignation in September, suspension of the pension reform, government fall due to Bruno Retailleau's strategy as Republicans president. The Rassemblement National vows to censure 'everything,' fueling tensions. Emmanuel Macron suffers a major drop: 58% want his resignation, up from 52% in 2024, and 65% do not trust him to protect the country from war risks, deemed high by 40% of respondents.
Beyond the left-right divide, the political space fractures into four sensitivities on immigration and the economy. Partisan preferences show an 'extreme rightward shift,' with the RN largely dominant. On generations, 44% of workers believe elders should contribute more to solidarity, rising to 53% among 18-24-year-olds, without indicating a generalized war. The Republicans, by aligning closer to the RN, risk strengthening the far right rather than regaining ground.
These signals call for reforms to the Fifth Republic, such as citizens' conventions or local referendums, to make it more open, as advocated by political scientist Hélène Landemore.