French president Francois Hollande will not seek second term

French President Francois Hollande announced Thursday that he would not seek a second term in next year's presidential election, saying he hoped to give his Socialist party a chance to win 'against conservatism and extremism' by stepping aside.

French President Francois Hollande will not seek re-election in next year's presidential election. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

“I have decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election,” Hollande said in a somber address on French television that recapped his achievements since taking office in 2012.

The 62-year-old president - the country’s least popular leader since World War II - said he was “conscious of the risks” entailed in him running, alluding to his historic lack of support since coming to power.