I will not give way because too many previous governments have backed down.
I don’t want euro bonds that serve to mutualize the entire debt of the countries in the euro zone. That can only work in the longer-term. I want euro bonds to be used to finance targeted investments in future-oriented growth projects. It isn’t the same thing. Let’s call them ‘project bonds’ instead of euro bonds.
Before you, I engage myself to serve my country with the devotion and the exemplary that this post demands. I understand responsibilities of the job and, as such, I give a republican salute to Nicolas Sarkozy who has led France for 5 years and who deserves all of our respect.
Muslims in France should be able to practice their religion freely and safely.
Though Africa is not responsible for emitting greenhouse gases, it is suffering the consequences of climate change.
We must not lose time, neither for dealing in a suitable way with the question of the United Kingdom’s exit, nor for providing a new impetus for the E.U.
I think that France has not made it clear enough recently to our German friends how important it is to introduce euro bonds as a tool against speculation. And how the necessary budget discipline needs to be accompanied by growth.
Our biggest threat is not too much Europe, but too little.
I prefer that people remember me as a president who made reforms rather than a president who did nothing.
A jolt is necessary. Europe must reaffirm it values of freedom, solidarity, peace. The EU must be understood and controlled by its citizens. I will do everything to secure profound change rather than decline.
Everyone says Francois Mitterrand had huge charisma. But before he was president they used to call him badly dressed, old, archaic and say he knew nothing about the economy… until the day he was elected. It’s called universal suffrage. When you’re elected, you become the person that embodies France.
If Europe does not advance, it will fall or even be wiped out from the world map… My duty is to bring Europe out of its lethargy.
The first time that I went to the United States was in 1974. I was 20 years old. America was in crisis.
There must be protection of the external borders.
I have defended the interests of France at the G8 in Washington; afterwards I was at Chicago to announce the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan; I have participated in two European summits, so I have fully respected the engagements I made to the French.
I know where I’m going and I have told the French. I am sure if hope is there, we will be able to put France back on its feet… to live better in five years than we do today.
My real adversary has no name, no face, no party. It will never be elected, yet it governs – the adversary is the world of finance.
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