71% say France is 'in decline'

SEVEN out of ten French people consider their country to be "in decline", a new survey has revealed.

The Ifop poll of 958 adults by the Journal du Dimanche found 71% considered France was getting worse, up from 66% in a similar study five years ago.

Some 62% said their country "lacked confidence in itself".

The biggest shift in opinion was in response to the statement: "France provides a model for other countries." Only 46% agreed, down from 59% five years ago.

However 70% of respondents said France was "capable of reforming itself" and 79% agreed that the country still had plenty of positive assets - down from 89% in 2005.