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 More Quotes by Martin Schulz More Quotes From Martin Schulz The claim made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán that the refugee question is a German problem is incorrect. It is a European problem. Martin Schulz prime orbs problem I know people's problems: the problems of those who work hard, who must slave away. The couples who have two incomes but who can nevertheless barely cover their rent. The people who get stuck in traffic on their way to work. The people who have to wait in vain for a train to come just as they are supposed to be picking up their children from daycare. I can say with a clear conscience to those people: I understand your problems. And I will do all I can to decrease them. Martin Schulz hard-work couple children I believe that dignified work is a value in itself. Martin Schulz values i-believe believe The construction of social housing and the attempt to support families seeking to buy their own homes are all projects from the 1960s and '70s. It all sounds old-fashioned, but it is actually completely modern. Martin Schulz support sound home It is impossible to swear an oath to the German Basic Law without realizing that our constitution is among the most liberal constitutions in the world. As the head of government in such a country, I would stand up to all those who call into question this free, open and tolerant model of society. Martin Schulz government law country Many who have voted for the AfD, or who intend to do so, aren't doing so because they are dyed-in-the-wool enemies of democracy. Rather, they are desperate. Martin Schulz wool democracy enemy 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 encounters may two The dangerous glorification of the nation state, and the baiting of minorities that goes along with it, releases an anti-democratic energy. Martin Schulz release minorities energy Ms. Merkel's attempt to present herself as a Social Democrat was a clever move. But it's not working anymore. The divisions between the CDU and CSU have simply become too great for that. Martin Schulz division clever moving I would never attack somebody only because they belong to a different party. Martin Schulz party different 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 unending dedication grateful I try to speak in a manner that allows people to tell me apart from my political adversaries. And I speak in a manner that the people can understand. For me, that isn't populism. Martin Schulz political trying people The question of societal fairness is always pertinent. Martin Schulz pertinent fairness Germany is not a fair country. Millions of people believe that things aren't fair in this country. Company profits and bonus payments have increased at the same rate as precarious employment situations. Martin Schulz believe country people Donald Trump must be taken seriously. He is fulfilling his dangerous campaign promises. Martin Schulz campaigns taken promise It is courageous to occasionally admit that there are certain things one can't do. Martin Schulz courageous certain The share of wealth held by the minority is much greater than the share held by the majority. We have to draw our own conclusions from that and it has to change. Martin Schulz wealth majority minorities People who work hard for their money cannot be placed in a worse position that those who allow their money to work for them. Martin Schulz position hard-work people We need to roll back precarious employment models. Temporary and limited contracts were initially seen as a way of introducing more flexibility so as to bridge periods of need in certain phases of production. Some employers have taken advantage of the model to push down wages. In general, we must strive for equal pay for equal work. Martin Schulz equal-pay taken bridges The old fundamental principles must continue to apply, even in our changing society: Democracy knows neither master nor slave. Equal education opportunities for all, no matter where they come from and no matter who their parents are. Equal access as well when it comes to digitalization. Martin Schulz democracy parent opportunity
