France's Hollande approval rating hit by weak economy

France's President Francois Hollande and his companion Valerie Trierweiler (L Rear) arrive at the presidential retreat of Bregancon in Bormes-les-Mimosas August 2, 2012. REUTERS/Philippe Laurenson

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande's approval rating has dipped to 46 percent three months after winning office, pollster Ifop said on Saturday, suggesting a weak economy had cut short the Socialist leader's honeymoon period.

The survey showed Hollande - who won office on May 6 with nearly 52 percent of votes - had not benefited from the post-electoral bounce enjoyed by his predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. Sarkozy's approval rating climbed to 65 percent in the weeks after his victory.