Royal attacks 'Paris Match' over photos

France's former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has denounced the glossy magazine Paris Match for publishing photographs of her with a man described as her new boyfriend.

The magazine published on its front and inside pages photographs of the Socialist politician in the Spanish resort of Marbella, walking hand in hand with a man named as Andre Hadjez, who is unknown to the public.

"These are stolen images," she told reporters. "Every time I take a step, I am pursued and harassed."

Asked whether she planned to sue Paris Match, she said: "I am going to ensure that the law is applied. I have the right to have my private life protected." The magazine accused Mme Royal of hypocrisy.