French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Cecilia, are separating by mutual consent after nearly 11 years of marriage, his office said Thursday.
The announcement ended weeks of speculation about troubles in their marriage and came as Sarkozy is facing the first major challenge of his five-month presidency: crippling nationwide transportation strikes.
The three-line, 15-word statement did not mention the word divorce, and said the two would not comment on the separation.
Sarkozy was in Portugal for a European Union summit.
The Sarkozys separated for several months in 2005, getting back together as the presidential campaign moved into high gear. However, Cecilia Sarkozy has rarely appeared with her husband in public since.
On Wednesday, the respected newsweekly Le Nouvel Observateur reported on its Web site that Sarkozy, 52, and his 49-year-old wife appeared before a judge on Monday, and told him that they are seeking a legal separation. The report did not cite any sources.
News channel LCI gave a different version, saying Cecilia Sarkozy saw a judge alone Monday and the judge later visited the presidential Elysee Palace to give Sarkozy a document to countersign.
Rumors of the split sparked debate among experts over whether the constitution even allows them to divorce.
Two experts argued in a full-page commentary Wednesday in daily Liberation that Article 67 of the constitution, added to bolster presidential protection, prevents anyone, including a spouse, from bringing a legal action against the president.
Even divorce by mutual consent could be complicated because of the strong legal protections designed to keep sitting presidents out of court.
Both Sarkozys have been married before. They have two children each from their previous marriages, as well as their own son, Louis.
From Associated Press reports.
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