As the head of the government, it is my responsibility to make the overriding political goals and relationships more clear. Part of the reason the public didn't understand some of the reforms enacted during the past legislative period was that there was far too much talk about the details, while the general picture often remained invisible.

Everyone wants a more simple tax system. But if this means that certain tax breaks have to be cut, people are no longer so enthusiastic.

It's important that the disparities in the living conditions cannot be allowed in this digital period to be too marked. Each and every one must be given an opportunity to participate, which is why Germany's fate in many ways depends on the firmness of its alliance with NATO, with the European Union.

NATO needs to adapt its strategy to meet new challenges

The times when we could fully count on others are over to a certain extent.

The digital world creates situation where there are no secrets anymore.

In Europe it is particularly important that we build good relations to everyone who holds political responsibility because Europe can only be build together.