The Prime Minister has just celebrated his 100th day on rue de Varenne. He leaves his mark and remains popular in the polls, despite a poor record. The tenant of Matignon is often compared to Emmanuel Macron, for his youth and his rapid rise in politics. In 100 days, has it gained thickness?
In the polls, his popularity remains at around 40%. And, according to several political scientists, this is a very correct figure for a Prime Minister in the middle of his presidential mandate. Because all the specialists say it, the Prime Minister is excellent at communication. But for the moment, the French do not yet have a very clear idea of this Attal policy. On educational issues, it is approved by a majority of French people, but on other issues this is not the case. The concrete results of his action in Matignon remain poorly judged by 69% of French people, particularly on purchasing power (78%), public accounts (73%) and immigration (75%).
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A Prime Minister who struggles to energize the majority
If he was praised the very first days after taking office, this is no longer the case. A minister confided to me that “ he is not at the level of Édouard Philippe, Bruno Le Maire or Gérald Darmanin. We don’t perceive it in the same way. » It was to make it possible to blocking the way for Jordan Bardella for the Europeans but the National Rally candidate has never been so high in the polls, far, very far, ahead Valerie Hayer, the Renaissance candidate. Moreover, those close to the candidate complain about the absence of the Prime Minister in this campaign.
But the next 100 days may be even more difficult
The biggest challenge for the Prime Minister who will risk his post will be the 2025 budget. With public accounts in the red and savings of 20 billion euros to be found, the budgetary autumn promises to be complicated. And difficulties could arrive before the summer if the oppositions decide to sanction the absence of a corrective finance bill. This could involve the filing of a motion of censure, a weapon that LFI and Les Républicains are once again threatening to use. And even if he saves his position, Gabriel Attal will remain confronted with the divisions of his majority, which budgetary questions have brought to light. The reform of unemployment insurance sharpens the left of its camp when the taxation of superprofits is rejected by its right wing.
One hundred days is a symbolic indicator because the real test will be the European elections. And if the results are bad, the leader of the majority will have to partly assume the defeat of his camp, more or less resounding depending on the gap with the far right.
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