The most unpopular president in France's modern history, Francois Hollande, is preparing the ground for a potential re-election bid. The state statistics agency Insee said France's economy grew 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2016, slightly more than initial previsions. The latest economic forecasts of the European commission — the EU executive body — confirm "France's economy is expected to slightly accelerate" this year. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy has not formally announced his candidacy but he does not hide his intention to run. Hollande's term has been tarnished from the beginning by a high unemployement rate, stagnant economy and tax increases.

Source: ABC News May 07, 2016 05:11 UTC