French President François Hollande was at his scheduled New Year's press conference when asked, amid speculation over an affair, if his partner Valérie Trierweiler is still the first lady. Hollande did promise to clear the air before a February 11th state visit to Washington, at a press conference where it almost went unnoticed that the Socialist leader - whose popularity has hit rock bottom - has signalled what some say could mean a major change of policy.
Out are the "tax the rich" campaign promises, in are plans to slash spending and cut payroll taxes in a bid to get bosses to hire. Will the message get lost in the feeding frenzy over Hollande's personal life?
 

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