Thousands are to protest in France on Sunday to mark President Francois Hollande's first year in office, with some accusing the Socialist leader of turning his back on the left and others denouncing his backing of gay marriage. On the eve of the anniversary of Hollande's May 6 win last year over right-winger Nicolas Sarkozy, the Communist-backed Left Front is hoping to rally 100,000 people for a march starting at the Bastille, the iconic square of the French Revolution.

Just like her partner the president, Valerie Trierweiler has had to abandon some of her pre-election promises over the course of his first year in office. A twice-divorced career journalist, Trierweiler arrived at the Elysee Palace declaring she was going to redefine the role of first lady to the point that they'd have to come up with an alternative term. "I'm more careful now," she admitted 10 chastening months later, by which time her career was on hold and her time consumed by the kind of humanitarian work that first ladies specialise in.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde voiced robust support Friday for Spain's announcement that it needs two more years to meet the European Union deficit target. "I strongly support the Spanish government's objectives of restoring a sound fiscal position while securing a recovery and creating jobs," Lagarde said in a statement. "Today's announcement to pursue a more gradual consolidation path is a welcome step toward meeting these goals, building on major reforms and structural fiscal improvements last year," she said.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Friday welcomed Spain's decision to ease up on its austerity drive, saying it should aid employment while still helping to return the nation to fiscal health.