French President Hollande Will Not Seek Re-Election

CNN: French President Francois Hollande will not seek re-election

(CNN)France's President Francois Hollande announced Thursday he will not seek a second term in office.

French voters will go to the polls in April and May 2017, but Hollande, who has low popularity ratings, says he will not stand for re-election.

"I am speaking to you this evening to inform you of the decision I have taken in view of the forthcoming presidential election," he said. "I have decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election."

It is the first time since 1958, when France's fifth republic was created, that an incumbent president has not sought re-election.

Hollande's Socialist Party will now have to find a candidate to run against Francois Fillon, of the center-right Republican Party, and Marine Le Pen, of the far-right Front National.

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WNU Editor: Not surprising .... he is polling around 10% (on a good day).

More News On French President Hollande Not Seeking Re-Election

Alone and unpopular, France's Hollande throws in the towel -- France 24
Grim Hollande says he won't seek second term as French president -- Reuters
French President François Hollande Says He Won’t Run for Re-Election -- WSJ
Hollande's re-election retreat receives mixed response in Europe -- The Guardian
The reason French President Hollande won’t seek reelection, in one chart -- Washington Post
France presidency: Hollande's move a 'relief' for Socialists -- BBC