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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Many In France Want Chirac Retired
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Jacques Chirac would have a hard time seeking a new presidential term in France, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Bleu de Profession Politique. 56 per cent of respondents say they do not want Chirac to become a candidate in the 2007 ballot.
Chirac won the presidential election in 1995, and earned a new term in a run-off over Jean-Marie Le Pen in May 2002. The head of state's popularity increased in late 2002 and early 2003 due to his vocal opposition to armed conflict in Iraq without an explicit mandate from the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
French adults expressed dissimilar views on the future of the current president. 62 per cent of respondents who want the 72-year-old Chirac to run again believe he represents their country in a proper fashion. Conversely, 43 per cent of those who do not want him as a candidate believe it is necessary to produce new politicians.
Last November, Nicolas Sarkozy was confirmed as leader of Chirac's centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Sarkozy is considered as a potential presidential nominee for the 2007 election.
Polling Data
Do you want Jacques Chirac to be a candidate in the 2007 presidential election?
Yes, definitely | 9% |
Yes | 23% |
No | 21% |
No, definitely | 35% |
To those who answered "Yes" - Why do you want Chirac to become a candidate again?
He represents France properly in the world | 62% |
He has been a good president | 22% |
Because I share his ideas | 17% |
He understands the concerns of French people | 15% |
He is capable of uniting the right | 14% |
He has a project for France | 12% |
To those who answered "No" - Why don't you want Chirac to become a candidate again?
It is necessary to produce new politicians | 43% |
Because I do not share his ideas | 32% |
He will be too old | 27% |
Because 12 years is enough | 26% |
He has been a bad president | 20% |
He does not have a project for France | 10% |
There are better candidates for the right | 9% |
Source: CSA / Le Bleu de Profession Politique
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 949 French adults, conducted on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, 2005. No margin of error was provided.