New Delhi: In what could be called as a dramatic decision, French President Francois Hollande on Friday bowed of the 2017 re-election campaign leaving the field open in an election which is touted to be highly unpredictable.
Hollande made a decision that he would not seek re-election in April 2017 which makes the left wing search for a suitable candidate.
Bowing to a historic low, the French President said, "I have decided that I will not be a candidate," the 62-year old Hollande said in a solemn televised address from the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Manuel Valls, who till now proved to a loyal prime minister to the president hinted that he might run against his superior.
The president very honestly conceded that he did not succeed in rallying his divide Socialist Party behind his candidacy also did not work upto his promise of slashing unemployment.
"In the months to come, my only duty will be to continue to lead my country," he said.
The Socialist leader has some of the lowest approval ratings for a French president since World War II.
