French President Nicolas Sarkozy has vowed to push ahead with his reform plans, dismissing speculation on a major cabinet reshuffle and an austerity budget package.
In a recent interview with Le Figaro newspaper, Sarkozy said he will continue to pursue his reform agenda despite a recent slump in opinion polls.
The president said he does not believe in austerity plans and will go on with previously announced plans such as cutting back on the number of public sector workers, as the country needs to reduce public spending.
He also pledged to remain focused on implementing change and implementing institutional reform.
Sarkozy's center-right allies are expected to suffer losses at the municipal ballot scheduled for March 9-16. A CSA poll published in Le Parisien newspaper Thursday showed Sarkozy's popularity dropping four points to 38 percent. He had 65 percent approval ratings last August.
However, Sarkozy ruled out any major reshuffle, at least until the end of France's presidency of the European Union (EU), due to last from July to Dec. 31.
He expressed full confidence in both Prime Minister Francois Fill on and the Elysee Palace chief of staff, Claude Gueant.
Following the local election, parliament will discuss reinforcing its own role, including getting a say on foreign policy issues and the deployment of French troops abroad, both currently the President's prerogative.
Source: Xinhua
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