A string of high-profile resignations have dented the young centrist’s authority, and called into question his increasingly scrutinised top-down, monarchical style of leadership.
The Elysée Palace said the reshuffle, which was expected on Wednesday, would not happen until after the 40-year-old centrist returns from a visit to Armenia late on Friday.
The poll, conducted by Odoxa-Dentsu Consulting for France Info radio and Le Figaro daily, showed 53 percent of people polled believe the rejig is a “serious issue” which shows the government is “unable to attract new talent”.
The dragged-out reshuffle also shows there are “disagreements” between Mr Macron and his Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, the respondents added.
However, 45 percent of those polled downplayed any sense of crisis inside the administration, saying the delay was a sign that Mr Macron “needs time to choose good ministers and make sure they are up to the job”.
The poll also showed that the French trust their prime minister more than their president: 55 percent said they trusted Mr Philippe, while only 29 percent said they trusted Mr Macron.
49 percent of those interviewed said Mr Philippe was a more “competent” leader than his boss, who was described as competent by just 36 percent.
The young centrist is however perceived as the “most authoritative” member of government by 59 percent of the French and the “most charismatic” by 50 percent.
Mr Macron and Mr Philippe have been mulling over the reshuffle for a week following the departure of three ministers since late August, including interior minister and early Macron supporter Gérard Collomb.
The resignations have challenged the president’s authority and stalled his reform plans, while the delayed overhaul has raised new questions about his ability to keep his team of ministers on track.
“The president wishes to take all the time necessary to draw up a team in a calm and professional way,” the Elysée Palace said in a statement on Wednesday.
Macron ally and government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux, for his part, denied the administration was on the brink of collapse.
He said: “There is no division in the government or the parliamentary majority on the political line we are pursuing.”
But Mr Macron’s political rivals are observing the turmoil with glee, branding the reshuffle a “farce” that has exposed a glaring lack of political experience in the ruling La République en Marche party.
The president’s satisfaction rating has sunk to around 30 per cent in recent months as the French have grown increasingly frustrated by his arrogant behaviour and pro-business policies that are seen as favouring the rich over the poor.
The Odoxa-Dentsu Consulting poll of 1,013 people aged 18 and over was carried out online between October 10 and October 11.