Hollande calm about Depardieu’s decision Depardieu’s decision to become Russian citizen

French President Francois Hollande said he did not condemn Gerard Depardieu’s decision to give up his French citizenship and get Russian citizenship instead, according to Interfax.

“I’m acquainted with Gerard Depardieu, of course. You know, everybody has his own role – I’m a president, Gerard Depardieu is an artist, a very famous personality. His principles of life aren’t for an average person, and even can’t be compared with the rules of the French republic’s president,” Hollande said on the Echo of Moscow radio station on Thursday.

“If Gerard decided to leave the country, well let him, if he loves Russia so much and Russia loves him as much – it’s quite understandable,” Hollande said.