Hollande confirms he will not seek re-election

French President Francois Hollande said he would not seek a second term in office in the presidential election in 2017, an unprecedented move that leaves the way open for other left-wing candidates.


It is the first time in decades that an incumbent French president has not sought re-election.

Mr Hollande is the most unpopular president on record.

"I am aware today of the risk that going down a route that would not gather sufficient support would entail, so I have decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election," a sombre-looking Mr Hollande said in a televised address.

All recent polls have predicted that neither Mr Hollande nor any other Socialist candidate would make it past the first round of the election.
 [rte.ie]
1/12/16