[The SPD] are taking steps away from the Agenda 2010 and inserting symbolic, leftist elements. If you look at it that way, the Left Party has already succeeded.

It will be a compromise. The Union will be able to push through fewer reforms than they planned to, or than we need.

The notion that the Parliament has been elected, and that laws passed by a majority are valid, seems to matter a lot more in Germany than in France.

[The SPD] are taking steps away from the Agenda 2010 and inserting symbolic, leftist elements, ... If you look at it that way, the Left Party has already succeeded.

It's an important symbol that the easterners have come to power, ... They have a more pragmatic way of doing things and they are used to big changes in life, and therefore, I think, they are not so reluctant to face up to new challenges.

It's an important symbol that the easterners have come to power, ... They have a more pragmatic way of doing things, and they are used to big changes in life, and therefore, I think, they are not so reluctant to face up to new challenges.