French president Nicolas Sarkozy has officially launched his campaign for re-election, setting up a battle with Socialist leader François Hollande.

Speaking on French television, Mr Sarkozy said that not standing for re-election would be tantamount to a captain abandoning his ship "mid-storm".

The president's popularity has plummeted in recent months, with economic uncertainty and growing unemployment among the French public's gripes. Mr Sarkozy promised full employment in 2007, but now almost 10% of France's working population is jobless.

Whilst around 70% of French citizens are thought to be sceptical of Mr Sarkozy's record, the president remains bullish: "You can't do everything in five years," he said this week.

Mr Sarkozy outlined populist policies, promising a referendum on how to tackle unemployment. He said that the referendum would focus on training schemes for the jobless.

A captivating public speaker, Mr Sarkozy will campaign under the slogan "La France Forte" - A Strong France. The incumbant president will need all of his fighting spirit to record a second election victory later this year.