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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!

Martin Schulz

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Martin Schulz
Age: 68
Born: 1955
Born: December 20
Bookseller
German Politician
Non-Fiction Writer
Politician
Two
Encounters
Stills
Voters
Still
Points
May
Politicians
Firsts
Speaking
Repeatedly
First
Politician
Confronted
Second
Critique
Understand
German

More quotes by Martin Schulz

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We won't get any growth in Greece by just imposing cuts. What I would prefer is a special economic zone for Greece.
Martin Schulz
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I believe it is wrong to give Moscow a rebate on Ukraine sanctions because of Syria.
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I really don't have time at the moment for coalition debates. The voters will decide what the next parliament will look like. Those who wish to form a coalition with The Social Democrats can take a look at our platform and then they are more than welcome to talk to us.
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Keeping quiet and letting the others do the talking. That may be Angela Merkel's method, but it's not mine.
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Turkey has in interest in finding agreement on more permissive visa requirements, it wants to be recognized as a safe country of origin and it wants to finally return to constructive EU accession negotiations. We Europeans decide all of those things together.
Martin Schulz
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The racist rhetoric that extends all the way to the top of the AfD shows that one must assume that an attitude is prevalent - not just in the grassroots, but also among party leadership - that is not consistent with the basic values reflected in our constitution.
Martin Schulz
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Referendums 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.
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The principles of the SPD have remained the same for 150 years: democracy, human dignity, justice and inclusion. We will never change those principles.
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In all of my speeches I talk about why a strong Europe is necessary in order for Germany to be strong over the long term. I think that I have sufficiently shown over the past years that I have a clear notion of how we can make Europe stronger, more democratic and more inclusive. There is really no competition there with Sigmar Gabriel.
Martin Schulz
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I'm proud of the fact that Marine Le Pen in France insults me and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands calls me his opponent. The way I see it is, if these people weren't attacking me, I would be doing something wrong.
Martin Schulz
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I believe the people should have the opportunity to have a greater influence on politics with their ideas. We need a new impulse for renewal.
Martin Schulz
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I am grateful to the Germans in general, particularly those who displayed unending dedication to the refugees and who continue to do so.
Martin Schulz
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Would I sacrifice a friendship to take a step forward in my political career? Thus far in my political career, I have been spared from having to make such a decision, thank God. And I can't imagine what it must be like.
Martin Schulz
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I'm fully aware that my vision of a European bicameral parliament can't be implemented tomorrow. I'm also not an integration fanatic.
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Having a place to live is a fundamental right and the state must establish a framework that ensures that apartments are affordable.
Martin Schulz
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Things are going well in Germany because the economy is booming and as an export-driven nation, we are profiting from the fact that we have an excellent, high-performing SME sector. But if we want things to continue to go well into the future, then we have to break up the antiquated structures in some areas and really modernize.
Martin Schulz
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There are surely people in London who would love to play us off against each other. That would be disastrous for the EU.
Martin Schulz
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I find it surprising, however, that many German politicians generally oppose referendums, but then when it's an EU matter, they immediately scream for a plebiscite.
Martin Schulz
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A joint European army is a very far-reaching proposal and it would be difficult to implement. Such initiatives are nevertheless needed.
Martin Schulz
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I have friends in politics who really put the friendship to the test through their behavior.
Martin Schulz