I grew up to always respect authority and respect those in charge.

I have against me the bourgeois, the military and the diplomats, and for me, only the people who take the Metro.

I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.

I have heard your views. They do not harmonize with mine. The decision is taken unanimously.

I have tried to lift France out of the mud. But she will return to her errors and vomitings. I cannot prevent the French from being French.

I might have had trouble saving France in 1946 - I didn't have television then.

I respect only those who resist me, but I cannot tolerate them.

I was France.

It is not tolerable, it is not possible, that from so much death, so much sacrifice and ruin, so much heroism, a greater and better humanity shall not emerge.

In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant.

A great country worthy of the name does not have any friends.

In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.

How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?

China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.

In the tumult of men and events, solitude was my temptation; now it is my friend. What other satisfaction can be sought once you have confronted History?