Europeans against leaders attending Olympics opening
19 May 2008
Over half the populations of France and Germany respectively believe their national leaders should not attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing. A poll conducted by the Financial Times and Harris Interactive found that 54% of French people and 55% of Germans are opposed to their leaders participating in the August 8 event. In both countries, around 30% were in favor. Opposition is also strong in Italy, where 48% are in favor and 32% against, and the UK, where 43% are in favor and 25% against. Spain is more balanced, with 39% in favor and 35% against. Sentiment appears to have been influenced by the recent troubles in Tibet. In each of these countries there is strong awareness of the situation and a majority of respondents believe Tibet should not be under Chinese rule. A majority also believe that human rights should be a central feature of foreign policy.
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