I don't like indecent, unearned wealth. But it is legitimate for an entrepreneur who has created something to make a good living.

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.

I could have made a fortune in cheeseburgers, but I finally chose politics.

Europe needs an engine, and the Franco-German motor has provided that when the two nations have converged on important topics during critical periods. But that partnership shouldn't be a directorate for other EU members.

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.

In front of you I commit myself to serve my country with devotion.

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