François Bayrou's Challenging Start as Prime Minister
François Bayrou's debut as Prime Minister of France has been met with significant criticism, as a recent Odoxa-Backbone Consulting poll reveals that 65% of the French public find his initial performance unsatisfactory. Only 34% expressed satisfaction with his early days in office, while 1% did not provide an opinion. This survey, conducted on December 18 and 19, highlights a stark contrast to the more favorable reception received by his predecessor, Michel Barnier, who enjoyed a 57% approval rating upon taking office.
The poll further indicates that many French citizens disapprove of Bayrou's decision to attend a municipal council meeting in Pau, where he serves as mayor, instead of visiting Mayotte, which was recently devastated by a cyclone. This choice has drawn criticism, with 65% believing it was a misstep. Additionally, 71% of respondents oppose Bayrou's proposal to allow the accumulation of local and national mandates, reflecting widespread skepticism about his leadership capabilities.
Public Sentiment and Future Prospects
Bayrou's popularity is notably low, with only 42% of the public holding a positive view of him, compared to 57% for Barnier at the same point in his tenure. The new Prime Minister faces a challenging political landscape, caught between the demands of the left and right, and 65% of the population lacks confidence in his ability to assemble a government that meets their expectations. Furthermore, only 36% of respondents expressed satisfaction with Bayrou's performance, significantly lower than the satisfaction rates of his predecessors, which ranged from 47% to 53%.
Despite these challenges, Bayrou is perceived as
