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Top quotes by Jacques Delors

The problem of how we finance the welfare state should not obscure a separate issue: if each person thinks he has an inalienable right to welfare, no matter what happens to the world, that's not equity, it's just creating a society where you can't ask anything of people. Votes: 20

I would not be opposed to devising a new system of pensions, in which one part was based on collective provision, but which also gave incentives for people to take out an additional, personal plan. Votes: 19

These days there are not enough of such intermediary groups, between the state and the individual, with the result that political leaders are often unduly guided by opinion polls. Votes: 13

Cinema explains American society. It's like a Western, with good guys and bad guys, where the weak don't have a place. Votes: 13

Yes, the European model remains superior to that of America and Japan. Votes: 12

Even in Britain, the trade unions tell me that employment contracts have less protection than in the past. Votes: 11

My presidential victory, if it had happened, would have been artificial in relation to the Socialist party. It may be that on my deathbed, I will come to regret my decision, but for the moment, I live at peace with it. Votes: 11

The problem with a purely collective system is not only that it requires economic growth, and the right sort of demographic trends, but that it prevents people thinking about their futures in a responsible way. Votes: 11

We will have to create an avant-garde.... We could have a Union for the enlarged Europe, and a Federation for the avant-garde. Votes: 9

I cannot resign myself to the decline of Europe, and of France. Votes: 8

The driving force behind the liberal counter-offensive in Europe has been a reaction against irresponsibility. Votes: 7

Fundamentally, American society is composed of individuals who don't go out of their way to do each other favours. Votes: 6

The countries that share this conception should be able to go further together, without excluding the others, since they can still live in a greater community of exchange and co-operation. Votes: 5

We have to struggle against the conservatives from all sides, not only the right-wingers, but also the left-wing conservatives who don't want to change anything. Votes: 4

For me, socialism has always been about liberty and solidarity, but also about responsibility. Votes: 4

The European model is in danger if we obliterate the principle of personal responsibility. Votes: 4

My problem is how to find the best way of being useful. Votes: 4

...within ten years 80% of our economic legislation, perhaps even fiscal and social as well' would come from the EU. Votes: 4

The European model is, first, a social and economic system founded on the role of the market, for no computer in the world can process information better than the market. Votes: 3

I had to think whether, after 50 years of hard slog, I was still lucid and fresh enough for the job. Votes: 3

Therefore one should speak at the same time of national citizenship and wider European citizenship. Votes: 3

Contrary to what people say, my wife never turned me away from the presidency. She told me to reflect on it and do what I wanted. Votes: 3

The unions still have a job to do, representing their members' interests to governments and parliaments. And I think collective agreements still have a role, alongside markets and laws. Votes: 2

Any union that can't accept workers choosing their own representatives through universal franchise is finished. Votes: 2

This desire for equity must not lead to an excess of welfare, where nobody is responsible for anything. Votes: 2

If you don't have collective agreements between unions and employers, governments have to legislate more. Votes: 2

This weakening is worsened by the widening distance between the governed and their governments. Votes: 0

The unions may continue to decline, but if they do, it'll be their fault. Votes: 0

My objective is that before the end of the millennium Europe should have a true federation. The Commission should become a political executive which can define essential common interests...responsible before the European Parliament and before the nation-states represented how you will, by the European Council or by a second chamber of national parliaments. Votes: 0