French president Francoise Hollande confirmed his separation from journalist Valerie Trierweiler after almost a decade of relationship. The split came after increased media attention revolving claims about the president's affair with actress and Socialist Party supporter Julie Gayet.
Speaking to Agence France Presse as a private individual and not as head of state, Hollande declares, "I wish to make it known that I have ended my partnership with Valerie Trierweiler."
An earlier report in the magazine Closer detailed the president's alleged two-year relationship with actress Gayet. Hollande has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.
Trierweiler sent out a message to the palace staff via Twitter.
"All my gratitude goes to the extraordinary people at the élysées. I will never forget the devotion or emotion at the time of leaving," her tweet said.
Trierweiler was treated at a Paris hospital for exhaustion before news of the separation broke out. She is currently set to fly to Mumbai for a trip organized by charity group Action Against Hunger.
Trierweiler, an arts columnist for weekly magazine Paris Match, is not married to Hollande but assumed the role of de facto First Lady when Hollande was elected to office in May 2012. They began their relationship in 2006 before her divorce from writer and academic Denis Trierweiler.
Her lawyer Frederique Giffard told newspaper Le Figaro that a "clarification" about the situation is in the works.
"It is very difficult for Valerie Trierweiler to remain calm in the face of this media and political pressure. But she is aware that a clarification is necessary."
On the other hand, Ms. Gayet is suing Closer magazine for illegal breach of privacy. She is seeking damages of 50,000 euros, equivalent to $70,000.
Results of a survey by Ifop with Le Journal du Dimanche indicated that 80% of respondents did not change their opinion of the president based on the news of the affair. However, Hollande remains to be one of the most unpopular presidents of modern France, with his approval rating at a low 11%.
Image credit: Flickr / Guillaume Speurt
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