(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in France are content with the appointment of Nicolas Sarkozy as interior minister, according to a poll by Ipsos published in Le Figaro. 56 per cent of respondents approve of the decision.

Last November, Sarkozy was confirmed as the new leader of the centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Five months earlier, French president Jacques Chirac declared he would not allow Sarkozy to keep his post as finance minister and head the UMP, saying this would undermine prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

On May 29, 54.8 per cent of all French voters rejected the European Constitution in the nationwide plebiscite. The outcome is regarded as a rejection of the current government. Two days after the ballot, Chirac appointed Dominique de Villepin as the country's new prime minister, substituting Raffarin. 36 per cent of respondents approve of the decision, while 40 per cent disapprove.

Union for French Democracy (UDF) parliamentarian Maurice LeRoy dismissed the chances of the new cabinet, saying, "This government can't provide the needed impetus."

In March, France's unemployment rate was 10.2 per cent. Around 2.7 million French adults are out of work.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of Nicolas Sarkozy's appointment as interior minister?

Do you approve or disapprove of Dominique de Villepin's appointment as prime minister?

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