Hollande splits with Trierweiler

The French President, François Hollande has split from his partner and First Lady, Valérie Trierweiler, after revelations he had an affair with a French actress.

François Hollande and Valérie Trierweiler together during happier times. Reuters/Philippe Wojazer

In a statement to the news agency AFP, Hollande announced ""I wish to make it known that I have ended my partnership with Valerie Trierweiler."

Hollande stressed he made the announcement as an individual and not as the president.

It comes after the celebrity magazine Closer reported earlier this month that Hollande was having an affair with French actress Julie Gayet.

Earlier on Saturday, Journal du Dimanche (JDD) newspaper said, without citing sources, that the couple will confirm their separation later in the day. It also said the couple reached the decision over lunch on Thursday.

JDD said Trierweiler, a journalist, will live at an apartment that she shared with Hollande in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. She is currently at La Lanterne, the president’s residence outside Versailles to the west of Paris.

The Elysée Palace, Hollande's office, initially declined to comment.

Trierweiler is set to travel to India on Sunday for a charity project, but will no longer be the First Lady.

Hollande promised earlier this month to clarify the relationship ahead of an official trip to the United States next month.

Trierweiler, who was never married to Hollande, took on duties as First Lady after Hollande was elected president in May 2012.

The pair had been together since 2006, when Hollande left his then partner, former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal.