I am attached to the French language. I will defend the ubiquitous use of French.

Symbols mean a lot in politics. They indicate a will and create new realities.

There is just one France... one single nation, united in the same destiny.

During a term in office there are highs and lows, but what counts is that the goal is set as well as the means to achieve it, and the force we put into getting results.

One thing that makes France different from other countries is the tradition of social solidarity. People from all backgrounds and political positions are willing to contribute for services and protection of society as a whole - but on the condition that money is being spent effectively and that everyone is paying their part.

My obligation, if I become president, is to give another direction to Europe than the one that is being forced upon us today.

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.