France, after the month of May, will share trust with the current leadership of the United States which, on many subjects, has tended to take useful positions in our view.

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.

My dear citizens, fellow citizens, French people, this 6th of May, have just chosen change by bringing me the presidency of the French republic. I feel the honor, which has been given to me and the task, the important task faced beyond - in front of you to serve my country.

My goal is to put France back on its feet. I have to put this country back on its feet.

Mitterrand had a sense for symbols, and he was the first Socialist president since 1958. He wanted to show that there is historical continuity, a connection with the great figures of French history.

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.

To be influential in tomorrow's world, to defend our values and our development model, France needs Europe and Europe needs France.