In June, Ifop surveyed 3,007 French people on behalf of LNA Santé about the healthcare system. The conclusion is clear: the 2027 presidential election will be all about healthcare.
Healthcare is the fourth-biggest concern for the French regarding the country, at 28%, behind crime (32%) and immigration (30%), and far behind purchasing power (52%). And healthcare will be the second most important issue for voters in 2027 (37%), still far behind purchasing power (60%) but ahead of immigration (33%).
63% of the French are concerned about the current healthcare system, while 26% are angry. And when it comes to the future of the healthcare system, these figures remain high: 64% feel concerned, and 23% feel angry. However, the French are not resigned to the situation—neither regarding the current state of affairs (9%) nor the future of the system (7%).
More than eight in ten (85%) believe the healthcare system needs to undergo profound change to avoid collapsing, and two-thirds (64%) feel that the healthcare system does not provide a level of service commensurate with the nation’s investment. Furthermore, 87% are concerned about France’s ability to sustainably fund its healthcare system and care for the elderly—a concern that increases with age. Voters genuinely expect measures to fix the healthcare system without compromising access to care or the working conditions of healthcare workers.
Access to care is the biggest concern: wait times for appointments are the health issue that worries the French the most (38% of them), followed by the cost of care and out-of-pocket expenses, and then overcrowding in emergency rooms (also 30%).
Access to care varies significantly by region: only 56% of French people consider it easy where they live; this figure rises to 68% in the Paris metropolitan area but drops to just 41% in rural areas.
More than ever, healthcare will therefore be a key factor in voting decisions: 57% of French people are willing to abstain if no candidate seems credible to them on healthcare issues, 48% are willing not to vote for a candidate with whom they otherwise feel aligned because of that candidate’s healthcare proposals, and 39% are willing to vote for a candidate with whom they do not feel politically aligned.
Health care, long a source of consensus, is becoming a key electoral factor for 2027.
