Nicolas Sarkozy said he could see a wave rising. For once he was right. The wave's coming; it's high, its strong, and it's going to smack him in the face.

We have chased away the clouds, the sky is all 'rose.'

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

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

I know where I'm going and I have told the French. I am sure if hope is there, we will be able to put France back on its feet to live better in five years than we do today.

What is at stake is preserving our relations with the United States. They should not be changed because of what has happened. But trust has to be restored and reinforced.

Today, Paris is the capital of the world.