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

The plurality of German campaign formats, including the televised debates, reflect that we in Germany don't directly vote for a person like in the United States or in France, but for parties. We have a different system.

We need trust among allies and partners. Such trust now has to be built anew.

The US military has achieved a decisive blow against al-Qaeda with its commando action against Osama Bin Laden and his killing.

The role of the opposition leader differs from that of the chancellor. If this government is to be successful, I have to take the emotional state of all partners into account. Besides, the Social Democrats didn't exactly present me with the motto "Let us dare to have more freedom" on a silver platter.

I approach this with - with an open mind and I'll do it on the basis of a deep conviction with President-elect Donald Trump.

We Europeans must really take our destiny into our own hands, of course in friendship with the United States, in friendship with Great Britain, with other neighbors wherever possible, also with Russia. But we must know that we need to fight for our future ourselves, as Europeans, for our destiny.