Purchasing power is the top priority for the French under Emmanuel Macron’s policy, according to an Elabe poll for BFMTV published on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The vast majority of respondents feel pressure on purchasing power. At the start of autumn 2026, 79% said they were forced to tighten their belts, cutting back on spending and their standard of living – two percentage points lower than in May.
Of those, 53% are doing so to a small extent, while 26% say the cutbacks are significant. Meanwhile, 20% report they are not limiting their expenses. The survey authors note that the pressure on purchasing power affects all groups, but employees and workers (90%) are more vulnerable than managers (59%).
Reasons for concern and inflation
French worries are linked especially to rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The survey identified this as one of the events that most impacted the French this summer, mentioned most often by voters of the “National Rally” (63%), employees and workers (55%), and residents of rural areas (53%).
The surge in fuel and gas prices has accelerated inflation. According to Insee, consumer prices rose 2.1% year‑on‑year in July, up from a 1.8% increase in June. This trend worries 63% of the French.
“This sentiment spans all population groups and the electorate,” the survey authors add. Among young people, the country’s financial situation most often provokes feelings of fear and fatigue.
Survey methodology
The poll surveyed 1,000 adults representing the population of mainland France, aged 18 and over. Sample representativeness was ensured through quota controls for gender, age, profession, region and type of locality. The questionnaire was administered online from August 25 to 26.
Source: BFMTV
