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Sarkozy tries TV route to buoy plunging ratings
A year after his comprehensive election victory, Nicolas Sarkozy will try to revive his stumbling presidency in a prime time television appearance scheduled for later yesterday.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:45 April 25, 2008
Paris: A year after his comprehensive election victory, Nicolas Sarkozy will try to revive his stumbling presidency in a prime time television appearance scheduled for later yesterday.
A potent mix of economic difficulties and personal problems has combined to push Sarkozy's poll ratings to record lows for a president just 12 months into his term.
One survey published in Paris Match magazine yesterday showed 72 per cent of people were unhappy with his performance, 65 per cent thought he hadn't kept campaign promises and just 17 per cent thought he was better than his predecessors.
Looking to reclaim the initiative, Sarkozy has organised a 90-minute interview to be shown on France's two leading television stations from 8.15pm (1815 GMT). "Sarkozy has to reassure the French tonight and restore his credibility that has been eroded these past months," said Stephane Zumsteeg, a director of IPSOS pollsters.
"He needs to show that his willingness to reform remains intact. The French want change, they want reform," he told France Info radio yesterday. Leaving nothing to chance, Sarkozy's team have brought in special advisers to design the set for the interview in the presidential palace.
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