Francois Hollande during the questions to the government, at the national assembly, in Paris on April 28, 2026.Magali Cohen/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

France’s most unpopular president eyes a comeback – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

PARIS — François Hollande ended his only presidential term in 2017 just months after netting a dismal 4 percent approval rating, and his time in office is now best remembered abroad for his notorious adulterous scooter trip to conduct a croissant-fueled affair with an actress.

But the 71-year-old Socialist — nicknamed “Flamby” by his critics, after a wobbly custard dessert — is now eyeing a long-shot ride back to the Elysée.

Hollande returned to frontline politics in 2024 by winning a seat in parliament and has, in recent weeks, dropped not-so-subtle hints that he’s preparing to run for president again in next year’s election, which the far-right National Rally has a strong chance of winning, according to most polls.