(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The majority of people in France are disappointed with the way Nicolas Sarkozy has handled his duties at the Élysée Palace, according to a poll by LH2 published in Libération. 60 per cent of respondents have a negative opinion of Sarkozy’s performance, up seven points since early May.

In May 2007, Sarkozy, candidate for the centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and former interior minister, won the presidential run-off with 53.06 per cent of the vote. Sarkozy appointed François Fillon—who had been his adviser and presidential campaign leader—as prime minister. 46 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of Fillon’s performance, unchanged since May.

During the past few weeks, French fishermen have staged protests calling for the government’s help with soaring fuel prices. On May 23, Fillon said the European Commission has accepted a millionaire aid package for them, adding, "We have the agreement of the European authorities for the arrangements proposed to help the French fishermen overcome the crisis." Fillon added that fishermen are a vulnerable group in France and that economic policies must be "adaptable" in the face of high oil prices.

Polling Data

Do you have a positive or negative opinion of Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?

Do you have a positive or negative opinion of François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?

Source: LH2 / Libération
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 998 French adults, conducted on May 30 and May 31, 2008. No margin of error was provided.

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