Confidence in Sarkozy slips

2008-07-03 14:02

Paris - Confidence in President Nicolas Sarkozy to solve France's problems has slipped by four points to 33%, according to a TNS-Sofres poll released on Thursday.

The survey, conducted for Saturday's edition of Le Figaro Magazine, found that five percent had complete confidence and 28% considerable confidence that Sarkozy can solve the problems currently facing France.

Those expressing a lack of confidence rose by four percent over the month to 65%, including 28% expressing little confidence and 37% no confidence in Sarkozy.

The drop, after a rise the previous month, brings Sarkozy back near the lowest rating of his presidency, 32% versus 66%, registered in May, one year after his election.

Confidence in Prime Minister Francois Fillon slipped by two points to 42%, with those expressing a lack of confidence rose by three points to 54%, his worst score since July 2007.

Paris's Socialist Mayor Bertrand Delanoe remained in the top spot among leading France politicians with a 51% confidence rating, a drop of two points.

TNS Sofres interviewed 1 000 people on June 25 and 26 - nearly a full week before Wednesday's release of French-Colombian politician and FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt, whose ordeal Sarkozy had put high on his agenda.

- AFP