Two years after taking office as Bulgaria's prime minister, Boyko Borisov has seen his approval ratings dip sharply, according to a new poll.

Borisov's personal approval rate slumps for the first time to 35% and just as many are the people opposing him, says the survey, which was conducted by Alfa Research polling agency in the period May-June 2011 among 1020 respondents.

The ardent support that Boyko Borisov was used to enjoy regardless of his post is strongly dented, when it comes to the possibility of his entering the presidential office, the agency notes.

About 60% of the applicants said Borisov's presidential bid would be an attempt to evade responsibility for the management of the country, while 33% think that would mean a bigger burden and more responsibilities for him.

The formidable physical presence and down-to-earth language of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov no longer translates into high approval rates among Bulgarians because of their economic and financial woes, the poll shows.

Even though public confidence in the government has dropped since taking office, the survey showed that the ruling center-right party GERB is still maintaining a lead ahead of rivals. It however has become very precarious, shrinking down to 19%.

While demonstrating determination to crush crime and corruption, Borisov has been sending mixed signals on a list of tough economic and political issues, including taxes, the retirement age, health contributions and whether to scrap or build energy projects with Russia.