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.

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

We will have to create an avant-garde.... We could have a Union for the enlarged Europe, and a Federation for the avant-garde.

This desire for equity must not lead to an excess of welfare, where nobody is responsible for anything.

Contrary to what people say, my wife never turned me away from the presidency. She told me to reflect on it and do what I wanted.

I would not be opposed to devising a new system of pensions, in which one part was based on collective provision, but which also gave incentives for people to take out an additional, personal plan.

Fundamentally, American society is composed of individuals who don't go out of their way to do each other favours.