Francois Hollande's partner Valérie Trierweiler will remain in hospital on doctor's orders after being treated with a "severe case of the blues".The 48-year-old journalist, who last week found out that the French president was allegedly having an affair with actress Julie Gayet, has been in hospital since Friday. Valérie was expected to be discharged but may stay for another six to eight days to rest and undergo more tests. "The doctors say she needs more rest and they will decide when she will be able to leave," a spokesperson at the Elysée Palace told Reuters. "She needs some peace."
Francois Hollande and Valérie Trierweiler
Valérie is said to have collapsed from shock and exhaustion after Francois, 59, confessed to hopping on the back of a moped in disguise, to visit his actress lover on several occasions. The next day French celebrity magazine
Closer published images of the scenario. While insiders have said that Valérie is ready to forgive Francois for his indiscretion, she wants to "know quickly" his intentions. She "will not slam the door on a whim" to their relationship. Critics have accused Valérie of trying to win public sympathy, and use her health to put pressure on the president to leave his 41-year-old mistress. Commentators added that the French first lady was reluctant to give up her life in the presidential palace and the luxuries it afforded her.
Valérie and Julie Gayet
Francois is set to give a policy address on Tuesday where he is expected to talk about addressing France's economic woes, including high unemployment and low growth. The press conference is sure to be overshadowed by his personal troubles, and according to the Daily Mail, Francois wanted to use it as an opportunity to announce his separation from Valérie, but was discouraged by his advisors. Francois and Valérie, who have been together since 2007, both left their partners to start their romance at the time. When the father-of-four was elected president in 2012, Valérie moved into the palace with him and took up her role as First Lady.