Dados interessantes

While the French are the most pessimistic of the five European nations covered by the Harris poll, the Spanish emerge as the most upbeat with 44 per cent of respondents saying their country is heading in the right direction (even though 45 per cent think it is on the wrong track).

A buoyant property market and strong economic growth have boosted the country's confidence, explaining perhaps why Spanish respondents appear to be the most supportive of more open, liberal economic policies. Sixty nine per cent of Spanish respondents agree that free trade is beneficial to them and their families, the highest rating among the five countries.

Some 52 per cent of Spanish respondents also agree with the proposition that employment increases as governments make it easier for employers to fire workers. Only 20 per cent of British respondents and 16 per cent of Germans think the same. The British also seem to believe that their country's investment regime is too open, with 68 per cent of respondents saying it is too easy for foreign companies to take over businesses in their country.