I took a gamble to exercise leadership without losing my feminine nature.

I'm working for the women in the world, today; that's my essential issue.

For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.

Having been a head of state gives you the possibility of getting into places others can't go.

You have to be doing things that matter - responsibility, but also responsibility with epic and beautiful and noble tasks.

In the eyes of many business leaders, there is never an opportune moment for tax reform. Yes, the economy is losing momentum, but that is not because a handful of people are losing their privileges. Slow growth did not first begin during my term in office; the market downturn is making itself felt around the world. My government has responded with an agenda aimed at raising productivity. We are also investing substantially in infrastructure - the plan calls for €20.5 billion or $26.3 billion by 2021.

The United Nations should become a proactive agent in the dissemination of democratic principles.