Lecornu faces skepticism as new French prime minister

Sunday 14 September 2025 - 14:30

By: Sahili Aya

Lecornu faces skepticism as new French prime minister

Sébastien Lecornu’s nomination as France’s new prime minister has not sparked enthusiasm among the public, according to two separate polls released on Sunday. The surveys reveal that a majority of French citizens remain doubtful about his ability to lead, reflecting both a lack of visibility and political distrust.

An Ipsos/BVA poll for La Tribune Dimanche shows only 16% of respondents holding a favorable opinion of Lecornu, while 40% express a negative view and 44% say they do not know him well enough. This lack of recognition places him behind several figures such as Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, and Elisabeth Borne. Similarly, an Ifop survey for Le Journal du Dimanche found that 62% of respondents are dissatisfied with his appointment, compared to 38% who are supportive.

Beyond personal image, doubts extend to his ability to govern effectively. Six out of ten respondents believe Lecornu will fail to secure an agreement with the opposition to pass the 2026 budget, at a time when France is under pressure from mounting public debt and a recent downgrade by Fitch Ratings.

The appointment also fails to bolster President Emmanuel Macron’s standing. His approval rating has dropped further, with 81% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction, marking one of the lowest points of his presidency.

Meanwhile, right-wing leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen top the list of political figures seen as acceptable choices for the presidency, far ahead of potential rivals from the center and left.

The data highlights the fragile position of both the prime minister and the president: Lecornu struggles with recognition and legitimacy, while Macron appears increasingly isolated as he enters the final stretch of his second term.