PARIS - French leader Francois Hollande on Sunday began a new chapter in his presidency after splitting from his partner of eight years following an affair with a younger actress.

Under intense media scrutiny since the revelation of the affair two weeks ago, Hollande -- who had pledged a "normal" presidency after the domestically turbulent stint of his 'bling bling' predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy -- on Saturday formally announced his split from Valerie Trierweiler.

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