Credit:UN/DPI Photo

Jacques Chirac

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in France are critical of the way their president has dealt with recent episodes of civil unrest, according to a poll by Ipsos. 54 per cent of respondents disapprove of the performance of Jacques Chirac on the issue.

Conversely, 62 per cent of respondents approve of the way prime minister Dominique de Villepin has dealt with the situation, and 68 per cent feel the same way about interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy.

On Oct. 27, riots broke out in the Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois after the death of two teenagers who allegedly were being pursued by police officers. Yesterday, French authorities declared a "return to normalcy" in the whole country. Over 20 nights of violence—which spread to 19 French provinces—at least 8,973 vehicles were torched, 2,888 people were arrested, 126 police officers were injured, and one person died.

This week, the French National Assembly voted 202-125 to extend the state of emergency authorized by Chirac on Nov. 8 for three more months. The rules allow specific communities to establish a curfew at their discretion.

Poverty and lack of opportunities have been frequently cited as possible causes for the civil unrest. Earlier this month, Villepin introduced proposals to restore financing for organizations that provide housing and educational assistance in the suburbs, and to allow people to have access to work training programs at the age of 14, instead of 16.

Sarkozy has openly advocated for the expulsion of foreigners who were involved in the violence, even if they are in France legally. 63 per cent of respondents approve of this proposal.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of the way the following public servants have dealt with the civil unrest?

Do you approve or disapprove of deporting foreigners involved in the civil unrest, whether they are in France legally or not?

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