French President François Hollande announced Thursday that he will not run for re-election, citing his unpopularity and likely inability to garner enough support.
Hollande is the most unpopular president on record, Reuters reported.
It will also be the first time in decades that a French president will not seek a second term in office, The Guardian reported.
Hollande announced his decision in a live televised address from the Élysée Palace.
"I am aware today of the risk that going down a route that would not gather sufficient support would entail, so I have decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election," he said.