(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More French adults are disappointed with Nicolas Sarkozy, according to a poll by Ipsos published in Le Point. 55 per cent of respondents hold an unfavourable opinion of the president’s performance, up three points since August.

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 François Fillon—who had been his adviser and presidential campaign leader—as prime minister. 49 per cent of respondents have a favourable opinion of Fillon, down two points in a month.

Last month, a military conflict broke out between Russia and Georgia over the Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, where many Russian citizens live. On Aug. 8, Georgian forces entered South Ossetia to assert sovereignty over the region, and Russia responded with a full military operation that saw Russian soldiers take control of Georgian territory beyond South Ossetia. A ceasefire was later brokered by the European Union (EU).

On Sept. 21, Fillon referred to the current state of affairs, saying, "The more Europe and Russia talk to each other, maintain a relationship of trust, have direct economic ties, the more stability and peace will be easy to construct. (...) We attach a lot of importance to reinforcing the partnership between the European Union and Russia."

Polling Data

Do you have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?

Do you have a favourable or unfavourable opinion of François Fillon’s performance as prime minister?

Source: Ipsos / Le Point
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 938 French registered voters, conducted on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, 2008. No margin of error was provided.

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