Quotes from Jean-Pierre Raffarin

We believe that the European Union is facing a truly historic choice.

There have been major disagreements within the European Union.

I think that we must come together progressively, with the British, the Germans, the Spanish, the Italians and with the new members of the European Union, we must make an effort to forge closer links.

When I see the cultural diversity that exists today, I feel that we must defend it, and we need Europe, because otherwise we are going to live in a society with a single model, the Anglo-American model.

The Republic is open and tolerant but also knows how and when to be firm and make its values respected.

Prohibiting a visible religious sign, which isn't a manifestation of militancy, would look like a fight against religions.

This constitution recognises the need for social dialogue involving labour and management; it involves trade unions in the decision-making process; it has a social vision founded on social dialogue.