“I want the French people to respect values that allow each individual to practice his or her faith, but in the frame of our common rules of secularism.”

“One thing that makes France different from other countries is the tradition of social solidarity. People from all backgrounds and political positions are willing to contribute for services and protection of society as a whole - but on the condition that money is being spent effectively and that everyone is paying their part.”

“I am not deaf. I hear the anger. I see the dissatisfaction, and I have to go faster.”

“I could have made a fortune in cheeseburgers, but I finally chose politics.”

“We are a big country, with lots of advantages and history. We are proud to be French. We have to call on patriotism at this time... to ask for an effort in the battle against debt.”

“I don't want euro bonds that serve to mutualize the entire debt of the countries in the euro zone. That can only work in the longer-term. I want euro bonds to be used to finance targeted investments in future-oriented growth projects. It isn't the same thing. Let's call them 'project bonds' instead of euro bonds.”

“My adversary is the world of finance.”

“My real adversary has no name, no face, no party. It will never be elected, yet it governs - the adversary is the world of finance.”

“France, after the month of May, will share trust with the current leadership of the United States which, on many subjects, has tended to take useful positions in our view.”

“I won't wait until the end of my term to say I made mistakes at the beginning. That's too late. I will try to adopt the proper behaviour, if the French give me the chance, right from the start.”

“We need intelligence services to fight against terrorism, but they have to respect the principles of good relationships between allies and protect personal, confidential data.”