I committed myself totally, fully, but I didn't succeed in convincing a majority of French... I didn't succeed in making the values we share win.

Perhaps the mistake I made at the start of my mandate is not understanding the symbolic dimension of the president's role and not being solemn enough in my acts. A mistake for which I would like to apologise or explain myself and which I will not make again. Now, I know the job.

The French people need to have all the facts so they can choose. And I won't be running away from it or hiding from it.

I cannot bear Netanyahu, he’s a liar.

Nothing - I mean nothing - and no-one - I mean no-one - will stop me going through to the end, and trying to be ready for the challenge of 2007.

If living in France bothers some people, they should feel free to leave the country.

The French people have chosen change. This change I will put into place.