We shall say clearly that any symbol conspicuously displaying religious affiliation in school is prohibited.

Let them be reassured, it has never been one of our intentions to ban religion in society, but solely to protect the national education system from any conspicuous display of religious affiliation.

I am a believer, but I affirm that in public buildings the law of the Republic overrides religious rules.

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

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.

We must stress that the euro has been beneficial to the European Union because, otherwise, in this context of international turmoil, every country would have to devalue their currencies.