As much as I believe in the Franco-German partnership, I question the idea of a duopoly. European construction is based on a well-balanced and respectful partnership between France and Germany.

A country outside the euro zone cannot have a veto over countries in the euro zone.

When I travel officially... and when I travel on a private basis, I have protection that is less suffocating. But I am protected everywhere.

I don't want to drive the markets crazy. I don't want to create trouble, but rather order and rules and norms. We have to struggle against financial excesses, those who speculate with sovereign debt, those who develop financial products which have done so much harm.

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