May 28, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The popularity of French president Nicolas Sarkozy remains low, according to a poll by Ifop published in Le Journal du Dimanche. 35 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Sarkozy has done his job so far, down one point since April.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The popularity of French president Nicolas Sarkozy remains low, according to a poll by Ifop published in Le Journal du Dimanche. 35 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the way Sarkozy has done his job so far, down one point since April.

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. 51 per cent of respondents approve of Fillon’s performance, down one point since April.

On May 27, Sarkozy said the increasing social unrest across Europe over soaring oil prices is alarming, and proposed to reduce taxes to alleviate the pressure, saying, "I want to ask the question to our European partners: if oil continues to increase, should we not suspend the [value added tax] taxation on the price of oil?"

Polling Data

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?

	May 2008	Apr. 2008	Mar. 2008
Satisfied	35%	36%	37%
Dissatisfied	64%	64%	63%

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?

	May 2008	Apr. 2008	Mar. 2008
Satisfied	51%	52%	58%
Dissatisfied	45%	47%	40%

Source: Ifop / Le Journal du Dimanche
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,865 French adults, conducted from May 15 to May 23, 2008. No margin of error was provided.