15 September 2008 - 18H22
Sarkozy's popularity on the rebound
According to recent opinion polls, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his prime minister, François Fillon, enjoyed a rise in popularity among the French over the summer.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s popularity rating has jumped to its highest level since January, boosted by his diplomatic moves and a lack of domestic industrial disputes, according to a recent surveys.
An OpinionWay poll said 39 percent of French people had a positive view of Sarkozy, up 11 points since June, while 52 percent had a negative view, down 7 points.
Earlier this year, Sarkozy’s popularity ratings hit record lows for a president in the first 12 months of his term, pounded by perceptions he was focusing too much on a glitzy personal life and not enough on France’s problems.
The rebound, also reflected in other recent polls, came despite a marked slowdown in the French economy and voter concerns about the rising cost of living.
Pollsters said that Sarkozy’s standing had been lifted by his high-profile trips to conflict zones Afghanistan and Georgia in August, and by the lack of any major industrial disputes during the summer.
Sarkozy’s prime minister, Francois Fillon, also saw his popularity climb over the summer, rising 7 points since June to 52 percent. Some 39 percent had a negative view of him, down 9 points on the previous poll.
Related Content
Stop decorating Israel's 'wall of shame'
Stay tuned
