“In a democracy, if you don't get the votes, nothing else is possible, no matter how wonderful your dreams.”

“Germany is our fatherland Europe is our future. ”

“If one has no compass, when one doesn't know where one stands and where one wants to go, one can deduce that one has no leadership or interest in shaping events.”

“We all need Europe, not just those of us in Europe. And we Germans need Europe more than the others. Germany is the country with the longest border, the most neighbours, and is, by population and economic strength, the number one in Europe.”

“Peace must be more than the absence of war.”

“In a democracy, if you don't get the votes, nothing else is possible, no matter how wonderful your dreams.”

“We were united not only by political respect for each other, but also by deep mutual sympathy as people.”