Macron vs. Le Pen: Growing Voter Discontent Shakes France’s Political Foundations

PARIS—Inflationary shock, fueled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has deepened anxiety among French voters who worry that citizens can no longer attain the standard of living of previous generations—a phenomenon known as le grand déclassement.

The growing malaise has pushed up public support for candidates on the far right and far left in election after election. The tide of voter discontent with the political establishment has now risen to a level that’s testing the foundations of French democracy.