“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.”
Society
“Each country has a soul, and France's soul is equality.”
EqualityAll Quotes by Francois Hollande
“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.”
Finance“I perfectly understood President Obama's attitude throughout the French presidential campaign. He had no reason to distance himself from Nicolas Sarkozy. It's the basic solidarity that leaders who worked together owe to each other.”
Attitude“I am for a clear distinction between public and private life. I believe private matters should be regulated in private and I have asked those close to me to respect this.”
Respect“That is now my mission: to provide a European vision of growth, employment, prosperity - in one word, our future.”
Future“I attach the greatest importance to an amplification of the peace efforts in the Middle East. I would also like to see a greater dialogue between the U.S. and the EU.”
Peace“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.”
History“The United Nations will be at the heart of our international activities. France will assume its full responsibilities at the Security Council by putting its status at the service of peace, respect for human rights and development.”
Peace“I could have made a fortune in cheeseburgers, but I finally chose politics.”
Politics“We need the help of other member countries and leaders who, like us, want to see a change in Europe's direction. That's also my logic when I tell voters that electing me president will not only shape France's future, but also initiate change across all of Europe.”
Future“An education program is, by definition, a societal program. Work should be done at school, rather than at home.”
Education“In an election, one needs both hope and audacity.”
Hope“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.”
Leadership“The transatlantic relationship is vital for both our countries: France will remain a reliable ally of the United States. Nevertheless, ally does not mean aligned.”
Relationship“My adversary is the world of finance.”
Finance“Before you, I engage myself to serve my country with the devotion and the exemplary that this post demands. I understand responsibilities of the job and, as such, I give a republican salute to Nicolas Sarkozy who has led France for 5 years and who deserves all of our respect.”
Respect“Between France and Senegal there's a history. There's a language that we both speak. There's a culture that we share and to which both of our peoples have contributed. But beyond our history, beyond our language, beyond the links that have united us for so long, what unites us today is the future.”
Future“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.”
Faith“Each country has a soul, and France's soul is equality.”
Equality“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.”
Finance