Some fatherlands are difficult. Germany is one of them. But it is our fatherland. Here is where we live and work.

In this life of ours we remain directed toward the relative utopia of a better world, and sensibly this can be the only model for our action.

I have left the federal government and the German Bundestag; I have resigned from all my positions in the Social Democratic Party of Germany.

Trust cannot be commanded; and yet it is also correct that the only one who earns trust is the one who is prepared to grant trust.

Some fatherlands are difficult. Germany is one of them. But it is our fatherland. Here is where we live and work.

I appeal to the responsibility of the blocs and the major powers, not to seek security in the arms race, but rather in a meeting for joint disarmament and arms limitations.

Not less, but more democracy - that is the demand, that is the great goal that we have to prescribe for ourselves, and especially for our youth.