French citizens show stronger democratic distrust

A survey in France, Belgium, and Italy found that French citizens have a stronger distrust in democracy compared to those in Belgium and Italy, which have also faced political challenges. French respondents mainly criticize their political system for not listening to citizens, lacking proper representation, and having weak checks and balances.

French pessimism about democracy is deep and widespread

Year after year, surveys show that French citizens are more pessimistic about democracy than their European neighbors. In 2026, the Cevipof Trust Barometer found that 76% of French people believe democracy is not working well, just one point above Romania, a country with the weakest institutional trust in Europe.

French citizens demand changes to how decisions are made

The way political decisions are made is a central topic in discussions about democracy. This is reflected in the recent launch of the Citizens' Convention for Democracy in Lille, which brings together academics, citizens, elected officials, and civil society members to explore new democratic models.

French dissatisfaction is not resignation but active critique

Political scientists Frédéric Gonthier and Nonna Mayer explain that French citizens are not simply resigned or uncertain about democracy. They are actively dissatisfied with how liberal democracy is practiced, pointing to biased representation, misuse of political rules, and a distant power that controls popular sovereignty.

Comparative study highlights France's unique democratic pessimism

A study combining surveys and 122 in-depth interviews in France, Belgium, and Italy found that France has the most intense democratic pessimism. This is rooted in the challenges faced by the institutions of the Fifth Republic, which have led to political deadlocks and public disillusionment.

French citizens focus on political system's flaws

In all three countries, people focus more on the problems in their political systems than on their strengths. French citizens, however, highlight specific issues, such as the inability to be heard outside of elections, the weakness of checks and balances, and the system’s failure to reflect the preferences of the majority.

French view of the "people" contrasts with Belgian and Italian views

French citizens often see the "people" as a unified, singular group with shared interests, unlike the pluralist view found in Belgium and Italy. This perspective contributes to the belief that elected officials are disconnected from the general public, making it hard for them to listen to citizens and understand their lives.

French citizens seek greater participation and consultation

Many French citizens stress the need for genuine consultation of people’s desires to inform public decisions. They also believe that political education through participation is essential. Their goal is to transition from being passive participants in the system to active agents through better listening, representation, and education.

French political imagination is limited by the presidential system

The dominance of the presidential election in French politics limits the country’s political imagination. Unlike Belgians and Italians, who see political parties as important democratic elements, many French citizens focus on individual leaders rather than collective political action, placing primary importance on the presidency.

French voting culture contrasts with Belgium and Italy

In France, the presidential election is often the only significant moment of political participation, while in Belgium and Italy, voting is seen as a civic duty due to compulsory voting. In France, voting is viewed more as an individual right, and the political class's focus on personal conflicts and lack of unity contributes to a growing sense of pessimism.