My life changed completely in 1989 with the fall of the wall.

Trying to keep a society together, trying to keep the older and the younger people together, trying to keep those who live in rural areas together with those who live in cities is one of the most important and most noble tasks of politicians these days.

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

Thank [Barack Obama] for the friendship you've always demonstrated.

First, we need good, stable relations with Russia. Second, we must make every effort to save energy and focus on using various sources to meet our energy needs. We must not allow ourselves to become dependent.

We cannot allow employers in Germany to pay hourly wages of 50 cents and shift the remainder of the burden to the taxpayer. After all, we want to create jobs, not open a self-service shop for resourceful employers.

When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromises.