The depth of popular dissatisfaction in France has been underscored by a Harris opinion poll showing that 85 per cent of respondents think their country is heading in the wrong direction. Only 9 per cent think France is on the right track as the country enters the final months of President Jacques Chirac's 12-year presidency.
France's gloominess may surprise the 75m tourists who flock to the country each year attracted by its beautiful countryside, fine food, and cultural treasures. But over the past year France has been shaken by a series of political and social convulsions, including urban riots and mass protests against a new youth labour law. Voters' malaise has fuelled support for extremist political parties and prompted calls for radical change following next year's presidential elections.
Much of the popular anger in France has focused on the leadership provided by Mr Chirac and Dominique de Villepin, his prime minister. In a separate Ifop opinion poll published in the Journal du Dimanche newspaper yesterday, 73 per cent of respondents said they were dissatisfied by Mr de Villepin, prompting further speculation that Mr Chirac might fire his prime minister before the president's national address on July 14. |