Credit:UN/DPI Photo

Nicolas Sarkozy

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in France trust their interior minister to deal with recent episodes of civil unrest, according to a poll by Ifop published in Le Journal du Dimanche. 53 per cent of respondents have confidence in Nicolas Sarkozy to deal with the situation.

Prime minister Dominique de Villepin is second with 52 per cent. French president Jacques Chirac is a distant third with 29 per cent.

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. In more than two weeks of violence—which has spread to 19 French provinces—more than 7,000 vehicles have been torched, more than 2,000 people have been arrested, and one person has died.

On Nov. 8, Chirac authorized a state of emergency. On Nov. 13, Sarkozy said the government will maintain tough restrictions, saying, "The Migration Act allows expulsion. I am the interior minister and I implement the rules."

Yesterday in an address to the nation, Chirac said the unrest evidenced "a crisis of identity" in the country, adding, "France must instil values and hope in (all) sons and daughters of the Republic."

Polling Data

Do you have confidence in the following political leaders to deal with the civil unrest in the suburbs?
("Yes" answers listed)

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