French President Francois Hollande
has announced he is leaving First Lady Valerie Trierweiler following
allegations he had an affair with an actress.
Mr Hollande, 59, the most unpopular French leader in modern
history, announced the news in a phone call to Agence France Presse (AFP)
news agency on Saturday evening.
Saying he was speaking as a private individual,
Mr Hollande was quoted as saying: "I wish to make it known that
I have ended my partnership with Valerie Trierweiler."
Earlier, officials in
France denied reports that the couple were separating.
A spokesman for the Elysee Palace, the president's official
residence, told Sky News the "rumour" was "not true" and
said it was not preparing to issue a statement.
Patrice de Beer, former editor of French newspaper Le Monde,
told Sky News he believes Mr Hollande announced the news to try to draw a
line under the scandal..... Continues....