Top aide of French President Hollande resigns over conflict of interest accusation

This picture taken on May 9, 2012, shows French President's counsellor Aquilino Morelle leaving the campaign headquarters of France's president Francois Hollande in Paris. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP
This picture taken on May 9, 2012, shows French President's counsellor Aquilino Morelle leaving the campaign headquarters of France's president Francois Hollande in Paris. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France (Reuters) - A top adviser to President Francois Hollande stepped down on Friday following media accusations of a past conflict of interest between a previous role working for the state and work for the drugs industry, a source at Mr Hollande's office said.

"Mr Aquilino Morelle has offered his resignation to the president of the republic," the source said, referring to the adviser, who is Mr Hollande's main speechwriter and a senior aide on political strategy.

Mr Morelle had denied accusations by investigative website Mediapart that he failed to obtain clearance for lobbying work when he was an employee of the public health inspectorate.

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