I cannot resign myself to the decline of Europe, and of France.

My presidential victory, if it had happened, would have been artificial in relation to the Socialist party. It may be that on my deathbed, I will come to regret my decision, but for the moment, I live at peace with it.

The unions may continue to decline, but if they do, it'll be their fault.

Yes, the European model remains superior to that of America and Japan.

This weakening is worsened by the widening distance between the governed and their governments.

The unions still have a job to do, representing their members' interests to governments and parliaments. And I think collective agreements still have a role, alongside markets and laws.

For me, socialism has always been about liberty and solidarity, but also about responsibility.