We won't get any growth in Greece by just imposing cuts. What I would prefer is a special economic zone for Greece.

The Social Democrats have to listen to people who are attracted to the AfD party. That isn't a mistake at all. You can also win them back. Of course, there are a lot of angry voters who are ideologically charged. But there are also a lot of quieter voters who plan on voting AfD to send a message. We can never give up on them.

If we want to defeat Islamic State, we first have to arrive at a cease-fire agreement in Syria. Once that has been achieved, an anti-IS coalition can be assembled, including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran. That, however, will be significantly more difficult in the wake of Turkey's downing of the Russian plane.

Following the attacks in Paris, French President François Hollande has a completely different set of concerns. France needs more police, more security personnel and a greater emphasis on integration. He says that security is more important than the Stability Pact.

I'm not a populist. But I try to present complicated issues in such a way that people know where I stand.

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

I am a man of parliament, a man of the people. I am not a representative of the executives.