Quoted by journalists Antonin Andre and Karim Rissouli in "Conversations Privees avec le President" (Private Conversations with the President), Hollande highlighted the strain of politics, the burden of high office and the passing of time. It's true, it could also be a kind of freedom not to do it..." Hollande said, apparently musing out loud. Separately, in remarks that the journalists dated to November 2013, Hollande said of the presidency, "It's tough, of course it's tough. Hollande is struggling with a historic low in popularity, driven by France's high unemployment rate but also coinciding with terror attacks that have shaken the country. Story continues below…Hollande has previously said he will not stand for re-election unless he makes a "credible" dent in France's unemployment rate.

Source: The Local August 19, 2016 07:30 UTC