François Hollande quotes

François Hollande is a French politician who served as the President of France from 2012 to 2017. As leader of the Socialist Party, he played a significant role in French and European politics. He is known for implementing progressive social reforms and steering France through challenging economic times. Here are 58 of his quotes:

We need intelligence services to fight against terrorism, but they have to respect the principles of good relationships between allies and protect personal, confidential data.

François Hollande

I could have made a fortune in cheeseburgers, but I finally chose politics.

François Hollande

I am attached to the French language. I will defend the ubiquitous use of French.

François Hollande

Nothing was given to me, nothing was entrusted to me, nothing was assigned to me. Everything I have, I took by right.

François Hollande

In addition to relative indifference to the fate of the euro area, Britain is more protected because of speculation the central bank may intervene directly to finance the debt ... Europe is not a cash box, let alone a cashpoint.

François Hollande

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

François Hollande

Each country has a soul, and France's soul is equality.

François Hollande

The first time that I went to the United States was in 1974 ... I was 20 years old. America was in crisis. The dollar was at a low. The Watergate scandal had already erupted. And I still remember this vision I had of New York, which was a huge, fascinating city, dirty and violent. And I've been to the U.S. regularly, but what impresses me most in this large nation is its capacity to overcome hardship and return to the heights.

François Hollande

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.

François Hollande

As a president I will be like the candidate that I am, a respectful candidate, a rallying candidate, a normal candidate for a normal presidency, at the service of the Republic.

François Hollande

One thing that makes France different from other countries is the tradition of social solidarity. People from all backgrounds and political positions are willing to contribute for services and protection of society as a whole - but on the condition that money is being spent effectively and that everyone is paying their part.

François Hollande

I am proud to have been capable of giving people hope again.

François Hollande

I gave myself an objective, to be the second president from Correze and finally to be the successor to Francois Mitterrand.

François Hollande

An education program is, by definition, a societal program. Work should be done at school, rather than at home.

François Hollande

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

François Hollande

There's always a risk when the candidate becomes president: Will he deliver what is expected of him?

François Hollande

I am the president of the youth of France.

François Hollande

In an election, one needs both hope and audacity.

François Hollande

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.

François Hollande

We are near, very near, to an end to the eurozone crisis... The worst - in the sense of the fear of the eurozone breaking up - is over. But the best isn't there yet.

François Hollande

Nicolas Sarkozy said he could see a wave rising. For once he was right. The wave's coming; it's high, its strong, and it's going to smack him in the face.

François Hollande

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.

François Hollande