Nicolas Sarkozy Quotes - Page 2

Success and social promotion are not some right that anybody can claim after queuing at some [government office]. It is better: it is a right, a right that one can merit because of one's sweat.

From the very beginning, the American dream meant proving to all mankind that freedom, justice, human rights and democracy were no utopia but were rather the most realistic policy there is and the most likely to improve the fate of each and every person.

I understand that people might be poor if they don't have any work, but I don't accept that someone is poor if they've worked really hard.

I am deeply worried because we are seeing an unleashing of violence by 2,000 to 3,000 thugs who come to smash and loot. My objective is to avoid mistakes by the police, so that people can protest in safety.

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.

Franchement, quand je survole certains pays européens (les éoliennes) ne donne pas envie. (Frankly, when I fly over some European countries, their turbines don't fill me with envy.)

Europe is right to tell us to reduce this [France's budget] deficit and spend less. Europe is right to demand this of us but cannot at the same time demand us to increase our dues.

I don't give any gifts to the rich.

It's disrespectful to tell the French in the morning that you're going to reduce the debt, in the evening that you're not going to make any savings, and the next morning, after thinking about it, that you're going to spend more.

There are remuneration packages that will no longer be tolerated because they bear no relation to merit. That those who create jobs and wealth may earn a lot of money is not shocking. But that those who contribute to destroying jobs and wealth also earn a lot of money is morally indefensible.

I am not a man of my party. I do not talk only to socialists and union leaders.

We need to profoundly revise all of our taxes and charges. The aim is to tax pollution - notably fossil fuels - more, and tax work less

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.

I'm ready to become a French person amongst French people, and more than ever I have the love for my country deeply ingrained in my heart.

I fought for the values of responsibility, and I'm not a man who does not accept his responsibilities.

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 want to wage war against illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, unfair competition, communitarianism, delinquency.

We want to put a stop to tax havens. We want results on this, with a list of tax havens and a series of consequences.

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

You are the eternal France, I love you.

A page is turning for me. I won't be candidate in legislative elections, nor in any elections to come.

The French like burgers, Madonna and Miami Vice.

France now has a new president and he must be respected. I assume full responsibility for this defeat.

Francois Hollande is an intelligent man. I do not have a problem with him. The only thing is, he has never held office at the state level. Honestly, can you imagine Francois Hollande as president of France? Imagine it!

You won't hear from me again.