French leader’s frank comments in new book cause shockwaves
PARIS — Normally a man of consensus and caution, President Francois Hollande’s frank comments in a new book written by two journalists is causing shockwaves in France.
“A President Shouldn’t Say That …” has exposed the inner workings of Hollande’s troubled presidency and his views on Islamic veils, Barack Obama and his private life.
The timing of the book isn’t accidental: the French president is weighing whether to run for re-election in six months, despite being the most unpopular leader in his country’s modern history.
At least eight books have been published in recent months by journalists who have all met with the president. Most of them hurt Hollande’s image, depicting his blunders, improvisations and policy changes as well as confidences on his feelings when he had to make big decision for the country’s future.