French Justice Minister's Popularity Drops Amid Lyhanna Case Fallout

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's popularity has taken a significant hit, falling 5 points to 39% in a recent poll. This decline is largely attributed to the ongoing Lyhanna case, which has deeply shaken France following the discovery of an 11-year-old girl's body.

The case has brought to light what many perceive as a "recurring problem in the functioning of institutions." The public's negative reaction has begun to affect favorable judgments of Darmanin, despite his prominent media presence since the affair's revelation. He remains the most popular minister in the government but now faces increased scrutiny.

According to Brice Teinturier, deputy CEO of Ipsos, "As soon as a failure is perceived in the sovereign domain, the sanction comes immediately from the voters of that side." This sentiment is particularly evident among right-wing voters, who have shown a notable decline in their approval of Darmanin. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also saw his popularity decrease by 4 points during the same period.

An overwhelming 86% of those surveyed believe the Lyhanna affair is indicative of systemic issues, with only 8% considering it an exceptional malfunction. The poll, conducted by Ipsos BVA-Cesi, highlights insufficient consideration of sexual violence cases against minors and perceived judicial leniency as key explanatory factors.