The stubborn stance of some European governments on the refugee question is a reprisal less aimed at Angela Merkel or (Vice Chancellor) Sigmar Gabriel than at certain people on Wilhelmstrasse in Berlin.
Martin SchulzWe agree: Brussels can't regulate everything. I'm driven by something else: There are forces in Europe that want to generally give national policy priority over a common European approach. We have to prevent this.
Martin SchulzNow Europe are experiencing a wave of eroding solidarity, first of certain societies and then entire governments. At the same time, we have two giant new challenges to meet: the migration movement and terror. And then Great Britain is thinking about leaving the EU. That should suffice as a description.
Martin SchulzWe need a big debate in society about how we are going to shape Europe and tame capitalism. A government must provide direction and make concrete proposals. It is one of Angela Merkel's biggest failings that she doesn't do this.
Martin SchulzReferendums have always posed a threat when it comes to EU policy, because EU policy is complicated. They're an opportunity for those from all political camps who like to oversimplify things.
Martin SchulzI would have oriented myself in case of Donald Trump according to what former German Chancellor Gerhard Schrรถder said to then - U.S. President George W. Bush when the Americans launched a war that was in violation of international law. Schrรถder showed that a German chancellor can act in a clear and self-confident manner toward a U.S. president.
Martin Schulz