Francois Hollande

Just five months after his election, Francois Hollande is facing protests from people who voted for him. His popularity has plummeted and his once-lauded "steady approach" is now perceived as dithering.

The French port city of Marseilles is in the grip of gang warfare, as young men fight for control of drug trafficking, often using sophisticated weapons left over from the Balkan wars. The gangs are pushing professional criminals and syndicates aside. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley describes the mood with host Scott Simon.

When Francois Hollande won the May presidential elections, many in France were pleased to have a down-to-earth guy, after the hyperactive, sometimes chaotic presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy. But Hollande's personal life has proven to be almost as complicated as Sarkozy's, and many are beginning to think his governing style is a bit too relaxed.

The Socialists are poised to win a majority in the French parliament. There are high expectations for the new president, Francois Hollande, in both France and Europe. He may soon have carte blanche to implement his policies, but it won't be easy.

President Francois Hollande's companion, Valerie Trierweiler, tweeted her support for a candidate running against the president's ex, Segolene Royal. Some hailed Trierweiler's independence; others say it was a clear jab at Royal and undermines Hollande.

The Group of Eight is meeting at Camp David this weekend. The setting is leisurely, but there's nothing relaxing about the timing of the summit. While leaders may agree about the need for growth in the debt-ridden European economy, addressing the crisis is easier said than done.

Greece keeps cutting its budget to help pay debts and avoid default but then its economy keeps contracting, making the problem worse. The new French President Francois Hollande wants to find a way to stimulate Europe's economy.

Top stories include new details on the medical condition of George Zimmerman, the alleged shooter of Trayvon Martin; and Facebook's pending initial public offering is so popular the social media company is increasing its IPO price by 25 percent.

Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have different ideas about how to address Europe's financial turmoil. Their relationship will help set the tone for what happens next in Europe.

Francois Hollande takes oath of office as France's new president. He will travel to Germany today to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss a European austerity package which he wants to amend.