The IFOP survey for the Journal du Dimanche newspaper showed that Chirac had slumped to 40th place from 15th in the previous survey in June, a month after he succeeded Socialist president Francois Mitterrand. Voters seem to be dismayed by a gulf between Chirac's policies of fiscal austerity after campaign promises of jobs and an end to social inequalities.
Surveys also show most voters oppose French nuclear tests in the South Pacific.