(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The majority of people in France are confident that their government is capable of addressing important issues, according to a poll by Ifop published by Dimanche Ouest France. At least 53 per cent of respondents think the cabinet of French president Nicolas Sarkozy has the ability to deal with security, environmental protection, immigrant integration and unemployment.

Conversely, less than 50 per cent of respondents trust the government to fight poverty, lower taxes and raise purchasing power in the European nation.

In May, Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) candidate and former interior minister Sarkozy 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.

Sarkozy promised to lead a government focused on improving the economy and lowering unemployment, as well as to address issues related to immigration.

On Aug. 27, Sarkozy delivered a speech on foreign policy, and called for Europe to play a decisive role in building global peace. Among other things, the French president said the European Union (EU) needs new and stronger defence, immigration and environmental policies. Sarkozy also proposed gathering a group of 10 experts to help build EU foreign policy, saying, "The wise men should submit their conclusions and suggestions ahead of the European elections of June 2009."

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