(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - French president Nicolas Sarkozy is rapidly losing popularity in the European country, according to a poll by LH2 published in Libération. 41 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of Sarkozy’s performance, down 13 points since January.

In May 2007, Sarkozy, a centre-right Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) candidate 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. 47 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of Fillon, down three points in one month.

Each European Union (EU) member state presides over the Council of the EU for a period of six months, in accordance with a pre-established rotation. In July, France will take over these responsibilities from Slovenia.

On Feb. 4, Sarkozy said energy and climate policies, migration, agriculture and security will be France’s priorities during the country’s EU presidency. On the energy issue, Sarkozy said he will push for more nuclear energy in Europe, declaring, "Our countries made the choice for nuclear energy. (...) We cannot be at the whim of oil and gas providers. The independence of our countries goes through economic and energy independence."

Polling Data

Do you have a positive or negative opinion of Nicolas Sarkozy’s performance as president?

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

Source: LH2 / Libération
Methodology: Interviews with 1,003 French adults, conducted on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, 2008. No margin of error was provided.

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