The approval rates of French President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin have dropped by 6 and 5 percent respectively compared with those in April, as France's referendum on EU constitution is only 19 days away.

According to the opinion polls of l'Institut Francais d'Opinion Publique, Chirac and Raffarin gained popularity rates of 46 percent and 30 percent respectively.

About 57 percent of the surveyed expressed dissatisfaction over Chirac's performance since he took office as president 10 years ago. Seventy-two percent of the polled hoped Chirac will not seek another term in 2007, a huge increase from 51 percent two years ago.

Raffarin's support rate hit a record low as 70 percent of the surveyed were not satisfied with his performance.

Due to the campaign of the French government and the help from the whole Europe, the EU constitution has received more support than it did from mid-March to late April.

The treaty will become effective after it is ratified by all the 25 members of the European Union. Ten countries including France will decide the matter by a national referendum, while the rest 15 by parliament.

Source: Xinhua