Hollande admits ‘painful’ times but defends his privacy

Under pressure French president François Hollande has faced the media over accusations that he is having an affair but he coolly side-stepped giving any details on his personal life.

His partner, journalist Valerie Trierweiler, has been in hospital since Friday, when a magazine published photos it said proved Hollande’s liaison with actress Julie Gayet, heaping pressure on the already unpopular leader.

He was asked following a major economic policy speech whether Trierweiler remains the first lady. In his first comments since the magazine report, he responded: “Everyone in his or her personal life can go through ordeals — that’s the case with us.”