Civil servants align with private sector voters

Civil servants in France have increasingly aligned their voting patterns with those of the private sector, with the far-right National Rally (RN) gaining support among them. Teachers remain an exception, showing stronger alignment with the left.

Historical left-wing alignment in public sector

Since World War II, the public sector in France has generally been oriented toward the left, with civil servants historically aligned with the Socialist Party. This ideological alignment was rooted in the importance of public services in the republican project, built on ideals of equality, secularism, and merit, especially in education.

Polarization toward radical left and right

Starting in 2017, both public sector employees and private sector workers have shown polarization toward the radical left (LFI) and right (RN), with a decline in socialist votes absorbed by the Macronist vote. The transfer of moderate right votes (LR) to the far right has been notable.

Rising far-right support among civil servants

Between 2019 and 2026, the proportion of state civil servants considering themselves close to the RN increased from 12% to 24%, while private sector employees saw a rise from 22% to 35%. The strengthening of the far right among civil servants affects all hierarchical categories, with higher proportions among lower-grade employees.

Hierarchical differences in political alignment

In 2026, A-grade officials across the three public functions (territorial, hospital, teaching) were close to far-right parties at around 19%, while C-grade employees were at 44%. The territorial public function (FPT) had the highest proportion of agents close to far-right parties at 35%, followed by the hospital function (FPH) at 32%, and the teaching function (FPE) at 29%.

Teaching remains an exception

Teaching remains an exception, with secondary school teachers showing a stronger leftward alignment. In the 2024 legislative elections, secondary school teachers voted 44% for the left, 27% for the center, 11% for the right, and 19% for the far right. In contrast, the entire FPE showed 32% for the left, 26% for the center, 10% for the right, and 31% for the far right.

Reasons for far-right appeal among civil servants

The growing interest in far-right parties is attributed to the transfer of votes from moderate right forces to the RN, which has reoriented its offer toward strengthening public services. Additionally, radicalization on security and immigration issues has fueled the RN vote, which is seen as a defensive reaction against globalization. Civil servants' perception of public impotence and the loss of state sovereignty also contribute to the appeal of the far right, as they seek a return to authority and a rejection of neoliberal policies.