In political life, it is extremely difficult to remain loyal to a friendship when constellations of power or interests are in the way.

Primary responsibility for Brexit lies with British conservatives, who took an entire continent hostage.

In times of upheaval, people wish for nothing more than composure and sincerity.

I would never attack somebody only because they belong to a different party.

In all of my encounters with voters, I have repeatedly been confronted with two points of critique. First: You politicians are all the same! Second: You politicians may be speaking German, but we still don't understand you!

We are living through an epochal shift. If we aren't careful, the elementary foundations of our pluralistic democracy will be threatened.

I cannot guarantee people absolute fairness. I can only promise that I will do everything in my power to secure fairness or create a greater degree of fairness.