Germany and France are pinning their hopes on young people, in terms of education, science and innovation.

If I become president, France will not continue with the same policies as under Nicolas Sarkozy - both in domestic policy and in foreign and European policy.

There's always a risk when the candidate becomes president: Will he deliver what is expected of him?

No one imposes things on anyone in Europe. That's not my notion, nor is it my temperament. The EU has always functioned under the banner of respect, equilibrium and trust.

A large country with such outstanding economic performance as Germany cannot forget that it owes some of its success to demand from other European countries.

We are a big country, with lots of advantages and history. We are proud to be French. We have to call on patriotism at this time... to ask for an effort in the battle against debt.

There are tensions abroad where people don't understand our attachment to the freedom of speech, we've seen the protests, and I would say that in France all beliefs are respected.