Former presidential advisor Alain Minc has accused Emmanuel Macron of leaving France “in a far worse state than when he came to power,” warning of long-term political instability under his legacy.
Speaking to Politico on Thursday, Minc described Macron as a “source of instability” and predicted that only the far-right National Rally would have a viable chance of winning the next French presidential election.
“He is leaving behind a political landscape in France that may remain unstable forever,” Minc said, underscoring growing disillusionment with the current government.
According to a recent Elabe poll, the National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, would win 35% of the vote if a presidential election were held today.
Bardella’s popularity has surged by four points, while Édouard Philippe of the centre-right dropped five points to 15.5%. Left-wing figures Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann followed in third and fourth positions, respectively.
The poll reflects a deepening political divide as Macron’s centrist movement struggles to retain influence amid public dissatisfaction with economic stagnation, immigration policy, and social unrest. Analysts warn that the National Rally’s momentum could translate into both presidential and parliamentary dominance.
On the international stage, Macron sought to bolster France’s global presence during his first visit to Mexico in 11 years. The trip concluded with an agreement to deepen strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
“Seven hundred French companies operating in Mexico will continue to invest and create jobs, especially in the aerospace sector,” Macron said during the meeting.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that an expanded EU-Mexico free trade agreement, expected in 2026, will open new avenues for economic collaboration.
The visit marked a significant step in France’s broader effort to diversify trade partnerships amid ongoing U.S. trade tensions.
Meanwhile, in the economic sector, French automaker Renault announced ongoing negotiations with China’s Chery Automobile to jointly produce vehicles in South America.
The partnership includes plans to utilize Renault’s factory in Colombia for gasoline-powered models, with additional investment in Argentina to launch a new hybrid pickup. Renault will handle global distribution for these vehicles.
However, domestic concerns continue to shadow the president’s image. Newly released government statistics revealed an 11% increase in femicides across France in 2024.
The report from France Bleu showed 107 women killed by partners last year, with one-quarter of victims over the age of 70. Nearly half had previously reported violence, and one-third of perpetrators were already known to authorities.
The figures have reignited debate over France’s handling of domestic violence cases, adding to the social pressures confronting Macron’s administration.
As political divisions deepen and public confidence wanes, France appears poised for a transformative election cycle—one that could reshape its political and social fabric for years to come.