The French President, Francois Hollande, is facing a personal and political crisis after Valerie Trierweiler, the first lady, openly backed a rival of his former partner Segolene Royal in parliamentary elections.

Lovers’ spat: On Twitter, Valerie Trierweiler wished Segolene Royal’s opponent all the best that many say was owing to Trierweiler’s blind jealousy against Royal. Pics/AFP