There does not have to be trade-off between growth and social protection. A democracy does not mean much if it doesn't respond to the needs and will of its people.

When I'm speaking of love, when I'm speaking of reversing hate, I'm speaking not only of reconciliation - even I don't use that word - I use another word in Spanish, that's called 'reencuentro' - it's not reconciliation.

We need to have a broad debate so that the new Chilean constitution is representative of everyone. I am convinced that it cannot just be developed by an expert group. First, people at all levels will be given an opportunity to provide input. They should be allowed to express their opinions about the kind of society they would like to live in. That's the kind of open process I would like to see. The issue at hand here is finding unity on the greater rules. Afterwards, a text will be developed and presented to parliament.

The change of the binominal system is without a doubt, a great advancement, it will allow us to be better represented and have better ideas.

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

The respect for human rights is nowadays not so much a matter of having international standards, but rather questions of compliance with those standards.

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