When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromises.
The question is not whether we are able to change but whether we are changing fast enough.
Climate change knows no borders. It will not stop before the Pacific islands and the whole of the international community here has to shoulder a responsibility to bring about a sustainable development.
Hatred, racism, and extremism have no place in this country.
I am not an expert in this field but I do try to keep up to date with the Bundesliga. And I do follow World Cups and European Championships more closely.
Politicians have to be committed to people in equal measures.
For me, it is always important that I go through all the possible options for a decision.
Germany's strength lies largely in the fact that the Federal Republic is a center of industry and that it's an export nation.
The willingness to learn new skills is very high.
I can say that we are very clear in our mind about the responsibility of the national soldiers for the break with civilisation that was the Shoah. We are firmly convinced that this is something that will have to be handed over to generations to come... so we don't see any reason to change our view of history.
As politicians we have to react to the fact that many people do not feel that they can relate to the EU.
That is why everyone in politics, and we do it, must make sure that they do not depend on one single interest group. A good compromise is one where everybody makes a contribution.
During the course of 1989, more and more East Germans lost their fears of the state's repression and chicanery and went out on the streets. There was no turning back then. It is thanks to their courage the Wall was opened.
This multicultural approach, saying that we simply live side by side and live happily with each other has failed. Utterly failed.
Here we have the Schengen agreement, and the truth is that for years we trusted each other and set border controls on the outer borders of the European Union. And as was the case with the economic and monetary union, with this step, regarding the management of the Schengen area, we did not go all the way in terms of political solutions.
In Europe it is particularly important that we build good relations to everyone who holds political responsibility because Europe can only be build together.
Controversial disputes are a part of democratic culture.
The problem is, of course, that these interest groups are all asking for changes, but their enthusiasm for change rapidly disappears when it affects the core of their own interests.
Sometimes I can't stop myself from buying things just because I see them - even when I don't really need them.
We have a duty as the state to protect our economy... We are for the protection of intellectual property.
