Outgoing French president says not to abandon political career

Outgoing French President Francois Hollande said Wednesday he would continue his political career after his five-year mandate officially ends on May 14.

Speaking on the sidelines of a national day to commemorate the abolition of slavery and the slave trade, Hollande said he had "finished with the official ceremonies as president of the Republic", but not with politics.

"Politics is something which every citizen, whatever his place, whatever his role, whatever his position, must have in mind. Politics...are the essential choices for the country and something no one can escape," he told local media.

"How can I be useful to my country? This is the question that I will answer now, by reflecting, working, producing, and intervening when it seems useful to me," he added.

Taking power in 2012, Hollande was the first Socialist Party head of state after Francois Mitterrand quit power in 1995.

After a short honeymoon at the Elysee Palace, persistent economic gloom coupled with rampant joblessness and controversial reforms sent his popularity to a record low.

Cornered by a sharp slide in pubic support and a divided ruling camp, he decided to not extend his term, the first such move in the Fifth Republic of France.

He will hand power over to president-elect Emmanuel Macron, his former economy minister and adviser, on Sunday. Endit