The Freedom Bell in Berlin is, like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, a symbol which reminds us that freedom does not come about of itself. It must be struggled for and then defended anew every day of our lives.

I am thankful for all the hard times I've been through and all the tears I've cried because that has put me as closer to God and made me the strong woman I am today!

We will take care of every single person in our society. That is our task.

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

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.

There is anything but an assurance of success, I have to be very clear about that.

With political means and always trying to work for political settlements and this is what I'm going to continue to work on with all my heart.