AFP journalist tells story of Hollande break-up phone call French President Francois Hollande on Saturday formally announced his split with his partner of eight years Valerie Trierweiler. Saying he was speaking as a private individual, Hollande made a terse statement over the phone to AFP journalist Sylvie Maligorne, saying: "I wish to make it known that I have ended my partnership with Valerie Trierweiler." Images and soundbites of an interview with Sylvie Maligorne.