Sarkozy: "Perhaps I made mistakes"

France's unpopular president Nicolas Sarkozy has defended his record in a live television interview.

Economic difficulties and personal problems have pushed Sarkozy's poll ratings to record lows for a president just 12 months into his term.

One survey showed 72 per cent of people were unhappy with his performance, 65 per cent thought he hadn't kept campaign promises and 17 per cent thought he was better than his predecessors.

In a 90-minute prime-time interview designed to rescue his popularity, Sarkozy said: "Perhaps I did not explain myself enough, perhaps I made mistakes.

"Since I was elected president, the price of oil has doubled, the subprime crisis broke out and the euro has reached unbelievable levels."

Sarkozy brought in special advisers to design the set for the interview in the presidential palace, replacing the usual gilded chairs and replacing them with modernist furniture and subtle lighting.

Sarkozy promised to be "the president of purchasing power" in his 2007 election campaign, but the economic boost failed to arrive and in January the president said he could do nothing to help because state coffers were "empty".

The comment cost him dearly, undermining confidence in his ability to deliver on a raft of electoral promises.

He has also been accused of leading a celebrity lifestyle out of keeping with his office.

The president divorced last October and just weeks later married pop star Carla Bruni, raising eyebrows in France.

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