Credit:UN/DPI Photo

Dominique de Villepin

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Jacques Chirac is slowly regaining public backing in France, according to a poll by CSA released by France Info. 36 per cent of respondents have confidence in the president to face the country's current problems, up four points since June.

Chirac won the presidential election in 1995, and was re-elected in a run-off over Jean-Marie Le Pen in May 2002. The head of state's popularity increased in late 2002 and early 2003 due to his vocal opposition to armed conflict in Iraq without an explicit mandate from the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

In May, 54.8 per cent of all French voters rejected the European Constitution in a nationwide plebiscite. The outcome is regarded as a negative response to the current centre-right government. Two days after the ballot, Chirac appointed Dominique de Villepin as the country's new prime minister, substituting Jean-Pierre Raffarin. 40 per cent of respondents have confidence in the prime minister, up four points in a month.

Villepin recently enacted six laws aimed at dealing with the country's employment crisis. The legislation—which was passed by decree and not through the National Assembly—establishes tax credits for young job seekers and implements new provisions to allow small businesses to hire and dismiss employees.

On Aug. 2, Villepin ruled out discussions on his political future, saying, "Now is not the time of the presidential elections. I have this fantastic honour of serving my country. It's been the dream of my life. I have 21 months to do so, in this post."

Chirac has not ruled out seeking a new term in the 2007 presidential election. Current centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) leader and interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy is also expected to become a contender.

Polling Data

Do you have confidence in president Jacques Chirac to face the country's current problems?

Do you have confidence in prime minister Dominique de Villepin to face the country's current problems?

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