French citizens are growing increasingly worried about their purchasing power, with 61% describing it as "poor" and 10.9% as "very poor," according to a survey conducted by Appinio for LSA, published on September 14. This is a significant jump from 38% in 2022. The survey attributes this rising concern to factors like the conflict between Iran and the United States in late February, which led to a sharp increase in fuel prices. Michel-Édouard Leclerc, president of the strategic committee of E. Leclerc retail centers, noted that over one million people in France have fallen below the poverty line since 2020. The rising cost of living is a major concern for 87.4% of French people, with 86.1% reporting that food has become significantly more expensive compared to 2025. Many are struggling to save, with 67.5% finding it difficult, up from 64.5% in 2025. Additionally, 56% report that managing finances at the end of the month has become more complicated than in the previous year. As a result, consumers are adjusting their spending habits, reducing consumption of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables—except for pet food—and cutting back on travel, outings, and home improvements. While consumers are looking for ways to save, such as switching to discount stores, choosing cheaper brands, and reducing waste, they are not willing to compromise on the quantity or quality of what they buy. The survey also found that second-hand items are no longer in high demand, with fewer people interested in purchasing used household appliances, electronics, or furniture, or opting for repairs and rentals. Only 49% of respondents pay attention to the economic impact of their choices, and 46% consider the environmental impact. A study by the Cetelem Observatory, conducted at the start of 2026, found that the morale of the French population is at 4.7 on a scale from 1 to 10, which is below the average of ten European countries, where the average exceeds 5. Countries like Poland, Portugal, and Sweden score closer to 6. Jean-Yves Laffon, general director of Appinio, warns that this deep-seated pessimism could influence the upcoming presidential election. Thierry Cotillard, president of the Les Mousquetaires Group, emphasizes that restoring confidence is crucial, as without it, people are likely to only spend on essentials, delay other purchases, and save out of fear. An economy constantly preparing for the next crisis, he says, cannot fully recover. Improving purchasing power and living standards is a top priority for many French voters when considering the 2027 presidential election. About 41.8% believe the future president can improve their purchasing power, and nearly 82% consider this issue "very important" or "determining" in their voting decision. The survey was conducted in France between August 26 and August 29, 2026, among 1,000 people aged 18 to 65.