DHAKA: French president Francois Hollande is coming under pressure to clarify his personal situation, after Closer magazine reported on his alleged secret affair with the actress Julie Gayet.

The president is making a key policy announcement on Tuesday amid fears it may be overshadowed by the allegations.

One French paper said the report was ‘catastrophic’ in every way for him.

Hollande said the publication was an ‘attack on the right to privacy’. He said he might sue, but did not deny it, reports the BBC.

A major press conference next week was intended to be a platform for the president to launch his economic programme for the year ahead, detailing a much-anticipated new tack in efforts to spur growth and create jobs.

According to the BBC, the president may be forced into making some kind of official statement on his personal position in order to clear the ground.

BDST: 2051 HRS, JAN 11, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor