Top 171 Quotes & Sayings by Francois Hollande - Page 2

I don't know if you can hear me, but I have heard you. I heard your willingness to change. Your force, your hope... and I want to tell you how grateful I am. Thank you, thank you, thank you, people of France.

The world owes an ecological debt to the African continent.

My mission is to put France back on its feet. The priority is employment. Efforts have to be made, but those efforts must be made fairly.

I hope Britain stays in the European Union, but I don't want to decide for the British.

The arguments in the Brexit vote and in the American presidential campaign are about the same. In a friendly way, may I also give some advice to the American people to make the right choice when the moment comes.

I know where I'm going and I have told the French. I am sure if hope is there, we will be able to put France back on its feet... to live better in five years than we do today.

I can't separate the fight with terrorism and the fight against global warming. These are two big global challenges we have to face up to because we have to leave our children more than a world free of terror; we also owe them a planet protected from catastrophes.

I have defended the interests of France at the G8 in Washington; afterwards I was at Chicago to announce the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan; I have participated in two European summits, so I have fully respected the engagements I made to the French.

The real threat comes from terrorism.

France needs to improve training and education and the level of skills of its workforce.

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

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.

I will not give way because too many previous governments have backed down.

There cannot be any concessions on the matter of human rights or the criteria for visa liberalisation.

When we live longer, we must work a little bit longer.

I do not like the rich.

I prefer that people remember me as a president who made reforms rather than a president who did nothing.

Islamist terrorism has declared war against us, against France, Europe, the entire world.

ISIL struck France because it is 'free' and 'the nation of human rights'. This is not a war of civilisation, as these assassins don't have any. This is a war against the jihadist menace that threatens not just France.

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.

Muslims in France should be able to practice their religion freely and safely.

The fight against global warming is a humanitarian issue - how the planet can be preserved - and it is also an issue of considerable economic importance, of what we call green growth.

I don't like indecent, unearned wealth. But it is legitimate for an entrepreneur who has created something to make a good living.

If I become president, France will not continue with the same policies as under Nicolas Sarkozy - both in domestic policy and in foreign and European policy.

In an election, one needs both hope and audacity.

I don't want to leave my successor and my children to pay for France's debt.

I've got a thick skin.

Doesn't everyone have their hair done?

The British people have decided to leave. It is a sad decision but one which I respect. The vote puts the European Union in difficulties. It must recognise its shortfalls.

Daesh is the enemy of Europe, and Europe cannot live with the idea that the crises that surround it don't have an effect on it.

Sport allows people to come together, but politics divides people.

It is intolerable that in our country citizens should feel so upset and under assault because of their religious choice that they would conclude that they have to hide.

I ask to be judged on the issue of unemployment.

The Republic will destroy terrorism.

Transatlantic links are very important.

Our enemy in Syria is Daesh: it's not about containing but destroying this organisation.

Be happy, be proud, be generous, be respectful, be proud to be French citizens.

France wants Britain to remain in the E.U.; indeed, how can we imagine that friendly nation that is our ally and played a role on the international stage could be outside the E.U.?

My security is assured everywhere, and at any moment.

If the discussion centres on the essential principle of the E.U., the free movement of people and the ability to make decisions together, in that case, we don't want treaty change.

There must be protection of the external borders.

The migrant question is directly linked to the crisis in Syria and Iraq.

To resolve the climate crisis, good will, statements of intent are not enough. We are at breaking point.

I think that France has not made it clear enough recently to our German friends how important it is to introduce euro bonds as a tool against speculation. And how the necessary budget discipline needs to be accompanied by growth.

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.

Not in the constitution, but I would propose a law to the French parliament that provides for reducing the budget deficit year by year, until we have reached a balanced budget by 2017.

Europe existed before Britain joined it.

A compromise appears out of reach on the stripping of terrorists' nationality.

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

To be influential in tomorrow's world, to defend our values and our development model, France needs Europe and Europe needs France.

Everyone must be in the same competitive situation, including on the fiscal level.

If there is not a united policy, this mechanism will not work: it will collapse, and it will... undoubtedly be the end of Schengen, the return of national borders.

If Europe does not advance, it will fall or even be wiped out from the world map... My duty is to bring Europe out of its lethargy.

The Republic will not be destroyed by terrorism.

China... has the capacity to ensure its stability and growth.

My goal is to put France back on its feet. I have to put this country back on its feet.

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.

The extremists wanted to divide France; it came together.

France is no longer herself when she is folded in on herself, tormented by ignorance and intolerance. The country would plunge into decline if it refused to be itself, if it was afraid of the future, afraid of the world.

It's not for Germany to decide for the rest of Europe.