Paris, Feb 16: French President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced his plans to run in the forthcoming presidential election for a second term in the office.

The 57-year-old president told TF1 television channel that he made this decision several weeks ago.

"I have made this decision due to the current situation in France, Europe and the world, which was in the last three years experienced a number of crises. Not asking for trust once more means to resign from the post. Could you imagine a ship's captain, who during a storm would say that he is tired and quits?" Sarkozy said.

French presidential elections will be held in two rounds with the first one slated for April 22 and the second for May 6.