French president’s ratings slide while PM’s numbers jump

25 February 2008  

PARIS, France – French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s approval
ratings have plunged further, a poll to be published Sunday showed, while
Prime Minister Francois Fillon has seen a sharp rise in popularity.
The survey registered a nine-point collapse, down to 38%, in
approval ratings for the Elysee leader between January and February, with a 10
percentage point increase among those dissatisfied with the newlywed
president’s performance.
But the Journal du Dimanche survey also highlights a seven-point jump in
Fillon’s score — at 57%.
The difference between the two politicians’ approval ratings is the largest
gap in favour of a French premier ever recorded by IFOP, which conducted the
poll, when both offices are held by the same party.
Pollsters have said Sarkozy’s jetset itinerary — he recently married his
third wife, model-turned-singer Carla Bruni — has created a perception he has
forgotten election-winning pledges to boost voters’ spending power.

[Copyright AFP 2008]