It's important to show that, while authorizing the demonstrations and promoting diversity of opinion, the Republic can't allow itself to be undermined from within.

What's very important is that we build a space that matters in the world, one that operates according to democratic rules, and that small and large countries enjoy a good relationship.

I was a Member of the European Parliament for a period of time and I saw a lot of European laws and treaties.

I think that the proposed constitution is one of the European legal documents with the strongest social dimension I have seen since I began following European issues.

Let them be reassured, it has never been one of our intentions to ban religion in society, but solely to protect the national education system from any conspicuous display of religious affiliation.

The Republic is open and tolerant but also knows how and when to be firm and make its values respected.

I tell fundamentalists that there is no question of them attacking our Republic's foundations.