By Hajer M'tiri
PARIS (AA) - French president Francois Hollande announced on Thursday he will not stand for re-election next year.
"I have decided that I will not be a candidate," Hollande said in televised address to the nation.
The French leader said he was putting the country’s needs ahead of his personal ambition.
This move could potentially open the way for Prime Minister Manuel Valls to run in his place.
“In the coming months, my only duty is to continue leading the state, with a mandate… you elected me in 2012,” he continued.
Hollande becomes the first sitting president in modern French history not to seek re-election.
The two-round presidential election will be held April 23 and May 7.