French President Nicolas Sarkozy gained in popularity in May, according to a new opinion poll that will make welcome reading for the head of state after months of poor ratings.
The number of people who approve of Mr Sarkozy rose to 37 per cent from 32 per cent a month earlier, according to a poll by TNS Sofres for
Figaromagazine, while the number of people who disapprove of him dropped to 61 per cent from 66 per cent.
The magazine called the figures "the start of a sunnier patch" for Mr Sarkozy, whose honeymoon with the electorate after he took power a year ago ended abruptly in December.
Concerns over Mr Sarkozy's perceived flashy style, whirlwind romance with pop star Carla Bruni whom he married less than three months after they started dating, and failure to lift purchasing power as promised in his campaign caused his ratings to plunge.
Several recent polls found that his popularity was at a record low for a president one year into his term.
In response, Mr Sarkozy has tried to give less exposure to his private life and project the image of a hard-working president launching all manner of reforms to improve life for the French.
The
Figaropoll found that the government's policies on unemployment and purchasing power had become more popular in May for the first time this year, which could explain Mr Sarkozy's improved rating.
Jobless data released today will also make welcome reading for Mr Sarkozy. The unemployment rate in the first quarter in mainland France fell to 7.2 per cent, its lowest point in 25 years, the data showed.
Mr Sarkozy has set a target of 5 per cent by 2012, the end of his term.