PARIS – France's former economy minister, who fell out with President Francois Hollande, has announced he will be a candidate for president next year.
Socialist Arnaud Montebourg, 53, said in a speech on Sunday that Hollande's record "is indefensible." Hollande has not said whether he will stand for re-election.
Montebourg, Hollande's minister from 2012 to 2014, lost his portfolio amid feuding over economic policy, because he denounced German-style austerity as the wrong medicine to foster growth.
"The European Union is in the situation of a bankrupt business that needs a reform to be saved," Montebourg said Sunday.
As minister, he introduced a measure to broaden the government's authority to intervene when foreign companies want to buy firms the state considers vital, including in the sectors of transport, health and communications.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.