France leads the world as the "most
pessimistic" country in terms of the economic outlook, with the lowest
recorded score in more than 30 years, according to a global poll
published on Friday.
 |
George Kavanagh | Stone | Getty Images
|
The
"End of Year" survey by Gallup International of 51 countries found that
France beat second placed Ireland and third placed Austria for the
dubious recognition as most pessimistic, economically-speaking.
Its score of negative 79, a drop of 20 points from last year, was the lowest the poll has recorded since 1978.
"Even
in 1978, after the second oil crisis that called into question an
entire economic system, the French have never shown themselves as
pessimistic as today," said the poll.
"Europe
leads in despair, followed by North America," it said. "The rest of the
world, lead by Africa, remains mostly optimistic."
With
an April presidential election on the horizon and a euro zone crisis
threatening havoc at home and on the continent, French voters are
increasingly gloomy.
Concerns
are pervasive over high unemployment, dwindling purchasing power and
the fear that France's traditionally strong social support system is
unravelling, even though France has mostly been spared the austerity
measures taken in countries such as Greece and Spain.
"After
the Second World War, there was reconstruction and our country was one
of the pioneers of Europe. Today the French 'Saviour State' model,
praised by both Left and Right for decades, is basically considered
obsolete," said the poll. "What can the French be proud of tomorrow?"
Among
a list of 51 countries, Nigeria was found to be the most optimistic
country, when considering economic prosperity, followed by Vietnam and
Ghana.
Between 500
and 2,700 people were interviewed in each country either by phone, via
the Internet or in person between October 26 and December 13.
The survey in France, conducted by BVA, took place between December 2 and 4.
Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.
