"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 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."

"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."

"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."

"There are only two forces that unite men - fear and interest."

"When desire dies, fear is born."

"If we take the generally accepted definition of bravery as a quality which knows no fear, I have never seen a brave man. All men are frightened. The more intelligent they are, the more they are frightened."

"Fear will knock at every door; only those with resolved hearts refuse to let it enter. Let this simple maxim guide your daily deeds — an essential principle for the reflective life."