French president’s ex depicts him as cruel, lying

A pile of former French first lady Valerie Trierweiler's book "Thank You for this Moment", is pictured in a Paris bookstore, France, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014. The former companion of French President Francois Hollande writes in a book that the Socialist presents himself as someone who doesn't like the rich, but in fact "doesn't like the poor." The couple broke up in January amid reports Hollande was having an affair with actress Julie Gayet. The book risks further damaging the image of the already deeply unpopular president even though the French had little love for Trierweiler, who couldn't find her place as first lady. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)

By Associated Press September 4, 2014 1 min read

PARIS (AP) – It is the story of a betrayed woman, portraying her former partner -the French president – as a mean liar perpetuating a “cycle of infidelity.”

Valerie Trierweiler, France’s first lady until earlier this year, paints a harsh portrait of the deeply unpopular Francois Hollande in her book, which could further damage the image of the Socialist leader by presenting him as a man who despises the poor.

The couple broke up in January amid reports Hollande was having an affair with French actress Julie Gayet.

Trierweiler, in her 320-page “Thank You for this Moment” published Thursday, describes her side of her relationship with Hollande, from their first kiss to the spectacular revelation of the affair. Hollande’s office refused to comment.