I think I'm cold, indeed icy, hard. Then there's another reason, one that goes with my frankness: I don't put on act.

I see nothing wrong in sterilizing a man who has already brought eight or ten children into the world. Especially if it helps those eight or ten children to live better.

People tend to forget their duties but remember their rights.

I refuse to indulge in small talk. And compliments, if at all, I save for after the job is done.

I don't care if I remain prime minister. I'm only interested in doing a good job as long as I'm capable and for as long as I don't get tired.

For me it's absolutely the same - I treat one and the other in exactly the same way. As persons, that is, not as men and women. But, even here, you have to consider the fact that I've had a very special education, that I'm the daughter of a man like my father and a woman like my mother.

I'm certainly not tired - work doesn't tire people, it's getting bored that's tiring.