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Support for Sarkozy, Fillon Falls in France
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Both French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his appointed prime minister François Fillon have lost public backing in France, according to a poll by Ifop published in Paris Match. 62 per cent of respondents approve of Sarkozy’s performance—down five points since July—and 53 per cent of respondents are satisfied with Fillon.
In a survey by CSA released by France Info, 61 per cent of respondents express confidence in Sarkozy, while 53 per cent feel the same way about Fillon.
A study by Ipsos published in Le Point shows a positive trend, with 64 per cent of respondents expressing a favourable opinion of their president, and 53 per cent feeling the same way about their prime minister.
In May, centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) candidate and former interior minister Sarkozy won the presidential run-off with 53.06 per cent of the vote. Sarkozy appointed Fillon—who had been his adviser and presidential campaign leader—as prime minister.
On Sept. 13, Fillon praised Germany’s recent economic recovery and suggested France should introduce the same type of reforms that helped the neighbouring nation succeed in that area. The prime minister said Germans are enjoying today the fruits of "brave reforms" initiated in 2000 and added: "These results create a real challenge for France. Why can’t we do as well? (...) The stakes go beyond the short-term. Like Germany did in past years, we must look further and aim higher."
According to the European Commission, the German economy is expected to grow by 2.4 per cent this year. The growth forecast for the French economy currently stands at 1.9 per cent.
Polling Data
a) Do you approve or disapprove of Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?
Sept. 2007 | Jul. 2007 | Jun. 2007 | |
Approve | 62% | 67% | 67% |
Disapprove | 37% | 33% | 32% |
Do you approve or disapprove of François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?
Sept. 2007 | Jul. 2007 | Jun. 2007 | |
Approve | 53% | 62% | 63% |
Disapprove | 47% | 39% | 36% |
b) Do you have confidence in president Nicolas Sarkozy to face the country’s current problems?
Aug. 2007 | Jul. 2007 | Jun. 2007 | |
Confidence | 61% | 65% | 59% |
No confidence | 33% | 29% | 34% |
Do you have confidence in prime minister François Fillon to face the country’s current problems?
Aug. 2007 | Jul. 2007 | Jun. 2007 | |
Confidence | 53% | 56% | 50% |
No confidence | 39% | 34% | 40% |
c) Do you have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?
Sept. 2007 | Aug. 2007 | Jul. 2007 | |
Favourable | 64% | 61% | 66% |
Unfavourable | 30% | 30% | 25% |
Do you have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?
Sept. 2007 | Aug. 2007 | Jul. 2007 | |
Favourable | 53% | 49% | 56% |
Unfavourable | 34% | 33% | 30% |