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French president Hollande says will not seek second term

"I’m totally aware that my nomination might endanger the unity of leftist forces in France," he said

French President Francois Hollande EPA/STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN

French President Francois Hollande

© EPA/STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN

PARIS, December 1. /TASS/. French President Francois Hollande announced Thursday that he would not run for second presidential term in next year’s elections.

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"I decided that I will not put forward my candidacy in the forthcoming elections," he said. "I’m totally aware that my nomination might endanger the unity of leftist forces in France."

Hollande’s popularity ratings sunk to record lows following unpopular economic policies and a series of deadly Islamist attacks.

However, Hollande said he would stay in office until his term expires in May 2017.

"My duty is to continue running the country in accordance with the mandate, entrusted to me in 2012," he said.

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