Everyone must understand that you can't demand solidarity when there's a problem and shirk your duties when there are solutions.

A jolt is necessary. Europe must reaffirm it values of freedom, solidarity, peace. The EU must be understood and controlled by its citizens. I will do everything to secure profound change rather than decline.

It allowed nationalists ... to transform the SNCM problem into a Corsican problem.

I can understand countries don't want to join the euro, but they cannot impede the consolidation and strengthening of the eurozone.

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.

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.