French voters' anxiety, anger, and fatigue dominate ahead of 2027 election

Six months before France's 2027 presidential election, a major survey of over 13,000 people reveals widespread negative sentiment—anxiety, anger, fatigue, and revolt—with 74% expecting the country's situation to worsen, marking a sharp rise in pessimism over five years. The study, conducted by SciencesPo Cevipof, Le Monde, the Jean-Jaurès Foundation, and Institut Montaigne with Ipsos, shows these feelings dominate across all age and political groups, including centrist voters. On pensions, opinions are split: 34% want a lower retirement age, 37% oppose any change, while 42% favor keeping the contribution period stable. Analysts note a growing demand for radical change, even among moderates, though Ipsos's Brice Teinturier suggests this populist mood may not guarantee a political upheaval, as fears of disruption could push some voters away from extreme options.