Let me be clear: I am not an advocate of censorship.
The Republic is open and tolerant but also knows how and when to be firm and make its values respected.
It's a different outlook, and one that I understand. When you are a former member of the Warsaw Pact, when you have lived behind the Berlin Wall, when you have experienced the communist systems that existed in these countries, for them, the West represents hope.
I am a believer, but I affirm that in public buildings the law of the Republic overrides religious rules.
The United States, for a French citizen, is a friend, an ally, to whom we owe, along with most Europeans, our freedom.
It's important to show that, while authorizing the demonstrations and promoting diversity of opinion, the Republic can't allow itself to be undermined from within.
France has a very important relationship with Germany. But that does not mean that we agree about everything or that two of our universities or companies are not going to compete.
Both faith and fear may sail into your harbor, but only allow faith to drop anchor.
Beyond what we wish and what we fear may happen we have another life, as clear and free as a mountain stream.
Life doesn't always go the way you planned it to go. Sometimes you have detours you have to take.
It's always fun to try something new. People think every avenue has been explored on TV, but this has never been done. That, in itself, really excites me.