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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
French Adamant on Beijing Presidential Boycott
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in France want their president to stay away from the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games to protest the human rights situation in China, according to a poll by CSA and Reporters without Borders. 62 per cent support Nicolas Sarkozy boycotting the event, up nine points in a month.
When asked whether French athletes should boycott the Beijing Olympic Games, 63 per cent of respondents are opposed, up eight points since March.
Last 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 Sarkozy to second it.
On Apr. 12, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge discussed his views on the issue, saying, "There are some politicians who talk of a boycott not of the Olympic Games, but of the opening ceremony. I think the athletes would be disappointed because the athletes of a particular nation would not have their political leaders applauding them."
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?
|
Apr. 2008 |
Mar. 2008 |
|
|
Support |
62% |
53% |
|
Oppose |
34% |
42% |
Do you support or oppose French athletes boycotting the Beijing Olympic Games to protest the human rights situation in China?
|
Apr. 2008 |
Mar. 2008 |
|
|
Support |
34% |
41% |
|
Oppose |
63% |
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.