The core of Dominique de Villepin’s public image rests on credibility: 57% of French people consider him serious, and 55% see him as someone “who works hard.” Added to this is a certain charisma: 48% recognize him as having natural authority, 44% find him dynamic, and just as many consider him courageous. In these areas, he ranks on par with B. Retailleau, one notch below É. Philippe (64% on the first two items).
But the survey reveals a disconnect with the French public. Nearly one in two considers him arrogant (49%, compared to 43% for É. Philippe), and only 43% find him likable—less than É. Philippe (51%) and M. Le Pen (46%). This distancing does not stem from hostility—he appears far less aggressive (28%) and intolerant (35%) than his rivals—but it erodes his perceived authenticity: 35% consider him sincere and only 32% consider him a good listener, compared to 44% and 46%, respectively, for É. Philippe.
In terms of his strictly political image, he is genuinely credited with competence (46% believe he has a firm grasp of the issues) and is seen as focusing on international and long-term challenges: defending France’s place in the world (38%), awareness of climate issues (37%, the only area where he clearly leads B. Retailleau). But one concern remains: 46% say he worries them, and his ability to take domestic action is not viewed favorably—27% believe he is capable of reforming France, 26% of uniting the French people, 23% of defending purchasing power, and only 33% of ensuring the safety of the French people (compared to 45% for B. Retailleau and 54% for M. Le Pen).
His biggest problem remains his perceived connection to the people: “close to the concerns of people like you” (22%) and “close to younger generations” (22%) bring up the rear, tied with “embodies progress”—the only bright spot coming from the under-35s themselves, 36% of whom consider him close to their generation (compared to 18% of those aged 35 and older).
