Referendums are a democratic instrument, but so are decisions reached in a parliamentary democracy. I advise extreme caution when it comes to referendums. In Germany too. Martin Schulz More Quotes by Martin Schulz More Quotes From Martin Schulz 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. Martin Schulz politicalcomplicatedopportunity The dream of Europe is a region of freedom and peace, of security, law, democracy, tolerance and mutual respect. If you look into the faces of the refugees you will see this dream. These are people who are fleeing from war, hate, violence and unjust systems. Martin Schulz hatedreamwar I'm not a populist. But I try to present complicated issues in such a way that people know where I stand. Martin Schulz issuestryingpeople It was clear to me that the White House's solemn atmosphere would not civilize Trump. But the merciless nepotism with which he conducts politics, in which he places himself and his family above the law, I wouldn't have considered that possible. And on top of that there is this reduction of complex political decisions to 140 characters. When it comes to a U.S. president, I consider the reduction of politics to a tweet to be truly dangerous. Trump is a risk to his country and the entire world. Martin Schulz decisioncharactercountry The EU is a community of values, not military buildups. Martin Schulz valuescommunitymilitary At the end of the day, men like Donald Trump need to be given that which they themselves dispense: clear messages. I would confront him as clearly and explicitly as possible. It is not only the right, but also the duty, of the leader of a German government to do that. Martin Schulz dutyleadermen Keeping quiet and letting the others do the talking. That may be Angela Merkel's method, but it's not mine. Martin Schulz quiet 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 economyexcellentbreak A joint European army is a very far-reaching proposal and it would be difficult to implement. Such initiatives are nevertheless needed. Martin Schulz jointsarmywould-be We 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 Schulz prioritieseuropegiving The EU is an unique project that replaced war with peace, hate with solidarity. Overwhelming emotion for awarding of Nobel prize to EU Martin Schulz hateuniquewar We 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 Schulz debateproposalfailing We must now, in the 21st century, protect democracy, one which rests on fundamental rights for all, regardless of skin color, gender, race or religion. Nothing less than that is at stake. Martin Schulz colorracerights Primary responsibility for Brexit lies with British conservatives, who took an entire continent hostage. Martin Schulz britishresponsibilitylying Solidarity is the fundamental idea of European cooperation. If a country feels itself to be militarily threatened and calls for soldiers, weapons and sanctions, then that's what it gets. When governments say they need money from the structural funds to stabilize their economy, that's what they get. But you can't cherry pick solidarity. Martin Schulz governmentcountryideas We are seeing now that without the contribution of the Social Democrats, Germany cannot be governed. We are a proud and self-confident party. We should now act based on that pride, and not out of fear. Martin Schulz proudpartypride For many people, politics in Brussels and Strasbourg might as well be happening on another planet. Martin Schulz planetsmightpeople Britain, Europe's second largest economy, a member of the G-7 and the UN Security Council, wants to leave the EU. That weakens us and it weakens Britain. Martin Schulz economywanteurope I cannot guarantee people absolute fairness. I can only promise that I will do everything in my power to secure fairness or create a greater degree of fairness. Martin Schulz degreespeoplepromise 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 strongpastthinking
