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French President Francois Hollande announced today he would not seek re-election next year as he bowed to historically low approval ratings after a troubled five years in power.
The 62-year-old Socialist leader put a decisive end to speculation in a solemn televised statement from the Elysee Palace in Paris.
“I have decided that I will not be a candidate,” Hollande said.
“In the months to come, my only duty will be to continue to lead my country.”
Hollande’s popularity had hit rock bottom after a term in office marked by U-turns on major policies, terror attacks, high unemployment and embarrassing revelations about his private life.
A new poll on Wednesday predicted he would win just 7% of votes in the first round of next year’s election in April — strengthening critics in the Socialist party who view him as a lame duck.
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