(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - French prime minister François Fillon continues to hold better numbers than the country’s president, according to a poll by Ifop published in Le Journal du Dimanche. 51 per cent of respondents are satisfied with Fillon’s performance, while 40 per cent feel the same way about Nicolas Sarkozy’s leadership.

Public support for Fillon fell by one point since July, while backing for Sarkozy increased by two points.

In May 2007, Sarkozy, candidate for the centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and former interior minister, won the presidential run-off with 53.06 per cent of the vote. Sarkozy appointed Fillon—who had been his adviser and presidential campaign leader—as prime minister.

Earlier this month, official figures showed that France’s economy shrunk by 0.3 percentage points. An emergency meeting to discuss economic concerns was called for Aug. 18. Fillon acknowledged that France is beginning to feel the pressure of a global economic slowdown, but said he will push forward with promised reforms to "modernize" the French model, saying, "We are not relaxing in our effort [to cut public expenditure.]"

Polling Data

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?

Source: Ifop / Le Journal du Dimanche
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 988 French adults, conducted on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22, 2008. No margin of error was provided.

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.