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French local poll to test Sarkozy French local poll to test Sarkozy
(about 7 hours later)
French people are set to vote in local elections, in which left-wing opponents of President Nicolas Sarkozy hope to benefit from his low approval ratings. French people are voting in local elections, in which left-wing opponents of President Nicolas Sarkozy hope to benefit from his low approval ratings.
The Socialists and their allies are expected to hold on to municipal power in Paris and the second city, Lyon.The Socialists and their allies are expected to hold on to municipal power in Paris and the second city, Lyon.
The left is also seeking to capture major cities, including Marseille in the south and Strasbourg in the east.The left is also seeking to capture major cities, including Marseille in the south and Strasbourg in the east.
Mr Sarkozy, who was elected last May, has seen his popularity drop in recent months, mostly over his private life.Mr Sarkozy, who was elected last May, has seen his popularity drop in recent months, mostly over his private life.
Correspondents say his divorce three months into his presidency and remarriage with supermodel Carla Bruni have turned off many voters - as have his well-publicised holidays with the rich and famous.Correspondents say his divorce three months into his presidency and remarriage with supermodel Carla Bruni have turned off many voters - as have his well-publicised holidays with the rich and famous.
Ratings slumpRatings slump
The local elections will be held in two rounds - the first on 9 March and the second a week later. The local elections are being held in two rounds - the second one takes place a week later.
In Paris, popular Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe is expected to defeat a challenge by centre-right candidate Francoise de Panafieu.In Paris, popular Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe is expected to defeat a challenge by centre-right candidate Francoise de Panafieu.
In Lyon, polls also suggest that Socialist Gerard Collomb - who has been in office since 2001, like Mr Delanoe - will also easily win re-election.In Lyon, polls also suggest that Socialist Gerard Collomb - who has been in office since 2001, like Mr Delanoe - will also easily win re-election.
In an interview with Le Figaro newspaper on Thursday, Mr Sarkozy played down the expected losses of his UMP party.In an interview with Le Figaro newspaper on Thursday, Mr Sarkozy played down the expected losses of his UMP party.
"The crucial date for me is the end of my term" in 2012, he said."The crucial date for me is the end of my term" in 2012, he said.
The president's approval ratings reached 67% in July last year.The president's approval ratings reached 67% in July last year.
But recent opinion polls suggest up to two-thirds of French voters now disapprove of his policies.But recent opinion polls suggest up to two-thirds of French voters now disapprove of his policies.