French President Hollande's popularity inches up from record lowMay 26, 2013 - 17:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Francois Hollande's popularity rating inched up in May from a record low the previous month, a poll showed on Sunday, May 26 a rare positive sign after a first year in office marked by rising unemployment, Reuters reported. Hollande's approval rating rose by 4 percentage points to 29 percent in May, as perceptions improved among his own Socialist Party voters, pensioners, blue-collar workers and women, the survey by pollster IFOP in weekly paper JDD showed. The Socialist leader has carried out two major reforms, loosening labor laws and allowing same-sex marriage, since he took office last May, as well as ordering a military operation in Mali to help oust Islamist fighters. However, he has been plagued by unemployment that has risen above 10 percent, stalled growth and pressure to reduce France's public deficit, while his same-sex marriage law has infuriated a swathe of French society and prompted huge street protests. His low popularity score is worse than almost all previous presidents at the same point in their terms. Views of his policies are still declining among business leaders, shopkeepers and right-wing voters, and remain negative on the far left. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |