In the forthcoming months, over 60 nations will witness half of the global populace exercising their electoral rights. Among them, India, Germany, France, the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, and South Korea will conduct elections. However, the incumbent leaders of these nations are experiencing a downturn in popularity, with Prime Minister Modi being an exception. Regional factors contribute to this discontent, but globally, issues like inflation, immigration, inequality, and tenure in office are significant causes of dissatisfaction among the populace. Below is an examination of the world’s least favored leaders, sourced from the most recent data compiled by Morning Consult’s Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker spanning from February 29 to March 6.
Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, stands as one of the most unpopular leaders globally, garnering a disapproval rating of 73%. While 22% of respondents express approval, 5% remain undecided. Serving as Chancellor since December 8, 2021, Scholz previously held positions such as Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance in Angela Merkel’s cabinet.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, faces a disapproval rating of 71%. While 23% of respondents approve, 6% remain neutral. Macron, who took office in 2017, previously held ministerial positions in the Hollande administration. His re-election in 2022 marked a historic second term, and he is a founding member of the centrist party Renaissance.
Yoon Seok-youl, the President of South Korea, encounters a disapproval rating of 70%. While 25% express approval, 5% remain undecided. Yoon, assuming office in 2022, previously served as the Prosecutor General, notable for prosecuting former presidents for abuse of power.
Fumio Kishida, the Prime Minister of Japan, holds a disapproval rating of 70%. While 17% express approval, 14% remain undecided. Kishida, in office since 2021, previously served in ministerial roles under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, faces a disapproval rating of 66%. While 26% express approval, 8% remain undecided. Sunak, assuming office in October 2022, previously held the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, receives a disapproval rating of 59%. While 35% express approval, 6% remain undecided. Trudeau, in office since 2015, leads the Liberal Party and is the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Joe Biden, the President of the United States, holds a disapproval rating of 54%. While 39% express approval, 7% remain undecided. Media reports highlight that Biden faces one of the worst disapproval ratings for a US president post-World War II. Biden, seeking re-election, previously served as Vice President.
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, stands as an anomaly with an approval rating of 78%. While 16% express disapproval, 6% remain undecided. Modi, in office since 2014 and seeking a third term, maintains his popularity despite tenure, ranking among the longest-serving Prime Ministers of India. Prior to his premiership, Modi served as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
