March 27, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in France believe their president should not attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympics as a way to protest China’s human rights record, according to a poll by CSA and Reporters Without Borders. 53 per cent of respondents agree with the idea, while 42 per cent oppose it.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in France believe their president should not attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympics as a way to protest China’s human rights record, according to a poll by CSA and Reporters Without Borders. 53 per cent of respondents agree with the idea, while 42 per cent oppose it.

In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was established as a one-party state. In the 1980s, the ruling Communist Party of China (ZGD) loosened a series of authoritarian restrictions and allowed private enterprise for the first time in decades. The country currently has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, becoming a global exporter and a very attractive venue for foreign investors.

China’s human rights record has remained a concern. Several campaigners claim the communist regime continues to torture and execute people. The country’s rule over Tibet has also been a point of contention.

Earlier this month, Reporters Without Borders called on heads of state and governments to boycott the opening ceremonies of this year’s Olympic Games as a way to underline China’s poor treatment of human rights. Former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin agrees with the idea, and has called on Sarkozy to second it.

The Reporters Without Borders proposal does not amount to a full boycott of the games by French athletes. 55 per cent of respondents reject French athletes boycotting the Beijing Olympics.

On Mar. 25, Sarkozy said he is considering a boycott of the opening ceremonies, saying, "I won’t close the door to any possibility. (...) I’m open to all options." The French president said he wants to talk to Chinese authorities about the current clash of national forces with pro-independence Tibetan protesters, saying, "I want dialogue to begin and my response will evolve as the response by the Chinese authorities evolves."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose French president Nicolas Sarkozy boycotting the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games to protest the human rights situation in China?

Support	53%
Oppose	42%

Do you support or oppose French athletes boycotting the Beijing Olympic Games to protest the human rights situation in China?

Support	41%
Oppose	55%

Source: CSA / Reporters without Borders
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 959 French adults, conducted on Mar. 19 and Mar. 20, 2008. No margin of error was provided.