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Hollande urges "collective action" ahead of presidential race

Xinhua, August 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

Nothing is possible without collective action, French President Francois Hollande Wednesday told his executive team a day after his economy minister and close ally Emmanuel Macron stepped down to focus on his political career.

At a cabinet meeting, Hollande stressed that "it's an important duty and a great honor to serve France."

"There is much to do at a time of major challenges that must be addressed," Stephane Le Foll, government spokesman quoted Hollande as saying.

The French president also "reiterated the need for the spirit of responsibility and selflessness."

Hollande's remarks came after Macron stepped down as he "needed to be free" to "start a new stage" of his political fight and draw up a "diagnosis" of the country's problems.

Macron's resignation is widely seen as the first step for the former investment banker to launch a presidential bid.

Macron, the most popular minister in the Socialist cabinet, would likely undermine Hollande's chances to run for a second mandate.

A recent Vlavoice poll showed only 12 percent of French voters supported the Hollande running for a second five-year term as president. Enditem