Ansamed

(ANSAmed) - PARIS, APRIL 4 - French president Francois Hollande's popularity has dropped to an all-time low. According to the monthly index published by TNS Sofres, the head of state enjoyed the support of only 27% of the population in March, a three-point drop on February and the lowest level since 1981 for a French president in the 11th month of his term. Hollande is struggling against a harsh crisis, which has become a political one as well after a scandal broke connected with his former budget minister, Jerome Cahuzac. Conducted by the Le Figaro magazine, the monthly index was compiled on the basis of data collected prior to Tuesday, when Cahuzac confessed in court to having a foreign bank account after denying it for months, even in front of the National Assembly. The survey showed that 70% of French citizens, a 4-point rise, said they did not have confidence in the president any longer.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also lost three points in popularity ratings, falling to an even lower level (25%) than that of Hollande. Support for far-right leader Marine Le Pen from the National Front instead surged up four points, to 32%.

(ANSAmed).