I don't want to leave my successor and my children to pay for France's debt.

To me, it's important to preserve proximity to the people. I wouldn't do anything pretentious, and nothing that hurts the people who voted for me. Triumphalism isn't my thing.

Each country has a soul, and France's soul is equality.

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

We are near, very near, to an end to the eurozone crisis... The worst - in the sense of the fear of the eurozone breaking up - is over. But the best isn't there yet.

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.

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