The economic, social and cultural progress of a nation depends on citizens counting for more and having more rights.

Please receive in the name of the Spanish government and the people of Spain our warmest congratulations for your election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church and my best wishes for the Papacy which you begin today. [to Pope Benedict XVI]

I don't think this debate is negative, it is enriching

My commitment is my commitment.

I want to increase our spending on research and development by 25%. That's something the U.S. does very well. That dynamism alongside a welfare state in the European community - that's the synthesis I want to achieve.

The risk of a terrorist victory is greater when in fighting terror, democracy betrays its own essence.

You can't bomb a people just in case.