Hollande promises French growth and jobs Before he was elected in May, French President Francois Hollande promised he would hold regular news conferences. He used his first address on Tuesday, marking six months in office, to urge the need for a long-term plan to turn around the struggling economy. His spoke as worries about a lack of competitiveness in French industry once again came into the spotlight. Hollande told a gathering of around 350 journalists: My mission is simple. It is to return to growth and reduce unemployment. And it is on these results and only these results that I ask to be judged by French people. That's why I wanted, with the government of Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault to address three major challenges; the reorganisation of Europe, reducing France's debt and the competitiveness of the economy. Hollande's approval ratings have plummeted by half since he took office. There are doubts over whether he can keep to his promise to grow the French economy while the rest of Europe endures deep austerity. More about: Economic growth, François Hollande, French economy, French politics, Jobs