Hollande feels backlash over Trierweiler split

French president François Hollande has been hit with a backlash over the manner in which he dumped former first lady Valerie Trierweiler after being caught having a secret affair.

In a sign that the saga that has gripped France for weeks is not about to drop off the agenda, politicians across the spectrum have displayed an unusual willingness to voice their opinion on what the president’s handling of the affair and its messy aftermath indicate about his character.

The verdict, from his political rivals at least, has not been kind to the 59-year-old, who has found himself in a similar position before.