Economy Saps Sarkozy's Approval Ratings

Nicolas Sarkozy should be well positioned to gain political capital from the global recession, having warned against capitalist excess years before the crisis quashed pro- deregulation argument. But the French president’s approval rating keeps dropping, the Economist reports. It fell another 2% in April, to 36%. As the crisis grinds on, more and more French feel the effects—and feel their president can do little to help.

Sarkozy has a tendency to make promises, such as keeping factories open for the sake of the people they employ, that he’s ultimately unable to keep. The French, quicker than many to demonstrate, are feeling particularly tense now, with “bossnappings” and protests across the country. Unless he can find a way to look helpful on the economy, Sarko’s ratings may be in for further drubbing. (More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)