Credit:UN/DPI Photo

Jacques Chirac

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - A steady number of French adults express satisfaction with their president, according to a poll by Ifop published in Paris Match. 43 per cent of respondents approve of Jacques Chirac's performance, up one point since October.

Chirac won the presidential election in 1995, and was re-elected in a run-off over Jean-Marie Le Pen in May 2002. Following a defeat in last May's referendum on the European Constitution, Chirac named Dominique de Villepin as the country's new prime minister. 51 per cent of respondents approve of Villepin's performance, up two points in a month.

On Oct. 27, riots broke out in the Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois after the death of two teenagers who allegedly were being pursued by police officers. In more than two weeks of violence—which has spread to 19 French provinces—more than 7,000 vehicles have been torched, 2,000 people have been arrested, and one person has died.

On Nov. 8, Chirac authorized a state of emergency. Interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy declared, "For a period of 12 days, searches will be possible every time we suspect possession of weapons (in order to) systematically apprehend troublemakers and systematically prevent a spread of violence." 58 per cent of respondents express confidence in Sarkozy to restore order after the riots.

Le Pen—the leader of the National Front (FN) who has been criticized for his stance on immigration—declared last week, "In the past 15 days, our party has acquired several thousand new members. We've received thousands of e-mails, faxes and letters from people who say, 'At last we have understood. You were right, Monsieur Le Pen. They said you were an extremist, but you were a visionary.'"

The next presidential election in France is scheduled for April 2007.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of Jacques Chirac's performance as president?

Do you approve or disapprove of Dominique de Villepin's performance as prime minister?

Do you have confidence in interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy to restore order after the riots?

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