Roundup: TV appearance of French president meets mixed reactions

The prime-time TV appearance of French President Francois Hollande on Thursday evening has met mixed reactions in the country.

Hollande defended his economic and political policies, arguing that "things are going well."

"There is more growth, less deficit, less taxes, more competitiveness, more margins for businesses, more purchasing power for workers," Hollande told the state-run France 2 TV.

"That's what I did for four years and that's why I will continue to do till the end of the mandate," he said, adding that his "objective is to modernize the country while preserving its social model."

Hollande also said he would announce by the end of 2016 if he will seek a second term.

Dogged by long-running rise in unemployment, Hollande has set reversing jobless claims as condition to extend his stay at the Elysee Palace.

Followers hailed him as a politician who "assumes his choices for France."

"Things are going better but that must continue. Politics is not a sprint but a long-distance race," Stephane Le Foll, a government spokesman told France info radio.

On her tweeter account, French Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem praised the president for his courage and determination, saying Hollande maintained his course despite growing criticism.

However, critics saw the other side of the coin.

Some people did not seem to believe he can deliver his new pledges. Only 3.2 million viewers had watched the president's prime-time interview, down from about 7 million in the same show in 2014.

Thomas Guenole, a political scientist, said Hollande's appearance to justify his policy was a "desperate attempt" to run for 2017 presidential election.

A survey by pollster YouGouv showed Hollande's approval rate recorded a fresh low of 13 percent in April. Endit