The mayor, the last elected official in whom the French still believe

Now he is one of the most unpopular presidents in history. According to the Verian barometer published at the end of October, Emmanuel Macron’s confidence index fell to 11%. The lowest level ever recorded, tied with François Hollande in November 2016. The confidence of the French in their deputies fell from 36% to 20% favorable opinions between September 2022 and October 2025, according to an Ipsos survey.

Only one elected official is spared from the widespread distrust of politics: the mayor. This survey reveals that 68% of French people still have confidence in him. This level has remained remarkably stable over the last decade. How to explain it, when the 107th Congress of Mayors of France opens in Paris on November 18, and the municipal elections are approaching (they will take place in March 2026)?

The art of compromise

“Because the mayor still manages, with his small means, to change the lives of the French,” analyzes Frédéric Dabi, general director of Ifop and co-author of The scarf and the storms (Ed. de L’aube) . The national elected official has broken the politician’s promise, that of improving your situation in exchange for your vote, since the dissolution of the Assembly made the country ungovernable.

To stay in action, the mayor knows how to demonstrate pragmatism. To the point that divisions tend to disappear in the municipalities. “More and more left-wing mayors have, for example, developed a municipal police force,” notes Frédéric Dabi. Mayors see themselves as territorial emergency workers, and the French feel it.

Within reach of citizens

To find out how the mayor improves the daily lives of the French, let’s follow Nicolas Méary, mayor (Horizons) of Brétigny-sur-Orge (Essonne), during an informal meeting at the foot of the buildings of a working-class neighborhood. This November 5, a person complained of the cold in their home. A deputy mayor promises to call the social landlord to push him to turn up the heating. The mayor and his team can therefore help you to be warmer at home. Another resident complains about the bulky trash on the sidewalks. They will be picked up soon, he is told. The mayor can therefore beautify your neighborhood.

Two young people approach the elected officials. An assistant tells them that they can receive financial assistance from the town hall to pass the facilitator diploma or their driving license. The town hall has also developed work-study training in its services, for example among its educators.

The mayor can therefore get you started in working life, or even provide a job. “Provided that this does not threaten the quality and sustainability of public services,” says Nicolas Méary. Mayors don’t have a magic wand. But we have a handle on concrete issues. The mayor is within earshot. I am often questioned. We don’t always have the answers to everything, but we’re always there to hear everything.” “In this era where there is no longer any national imagination other than that of a country in decline, the French need to be reassured,” adds Frédéric Dabi. And the mayor, this familiar face, simply continues to keep local life going.