Michel Barnier, the new favorite political figure of the French

Appointed to Matignon only two weeks ago, Michel Barnier is already at the top of the barometer of the French people's favorite political figures, according to an Ifop-Fiducial poll for Paris Match et South Radio published this Tuesday. With 57% of favorable opinions, the new Prime Minister surpasses his predecessors Édouard Philippe, Gabriel Attal and Jean Castex. This exceptional score illustrates a real "appointment effect", although Frédéric Dabi, general director of Ifop, emphasizes that the current political situation does not allow us to speak of a state of grace.

Widespread sympathy

The career of Michel Barnier, former Brexit negotiator and emblematic figure of the Republicans, seems to earn him general goodwill, even a wave of sympathy. According to the study, the Savoyard appeals to almost all categories of the population, receiving support from right-wing sympathisers as well as the National Rally. He is also well received by part of the central bloc, including some socialists and communists. However, he encounters resistance from voters of La France Insoumise and environmentalists.

Ahead of Philippe and Attal, Macron in decline

Barnier surpasses three former Prime Ministers in this ranking: Édouard Philippe (55%), Gabriel Attal (54%) and Jean Castex (54%). Bernard Cazeneuve, once tipped to return to Matignon, for his part garners 48% of favorable opinions, as do the former Minister of Culture Rachida Dati and the former President François Hollande.

Michel Barnier's performance contrasts with that of Emmanuel Macron, who finds himself in a modest 44th place with only 31% of positive opinions, his lowest score in this type of poll. This drop in popularity, despite a slight increase (+4 points), reflects the growing public disaffection with the president.

Despite this growing popularity, the new Prime Minister faces a major challenge: governing without a clear majority in the National Assembly. This complicated political context could quickly erode the capital of sympathy he currently enjoys, particularly as the announcement of the composition of his government approaches.

In just two weeks, Michel Barnier has managed to capture the attention and gain the trust of a majority of French people. It remains to be seen whether this "Barniermania" will be able to withstand the political turbulence to come.