Schröder said that Germany was "destined to assume leadership within the European Union" due to its economic power, but that it "could only lead in Europe in the way that porcupines mate…very carefully".
In the past, Germany tended to hide behind others, even in Europe. Now Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is calling for German leadership. Are we prepared to take this step?
Because of its economic power and its political significance, Germany is currently destined to assume leadership within the European Union. However, I too came to the realisation, during my term in office, that Germany could only lead in Europe in the way that porcupines mate.
How do porcupines mate?
Very carefully. The other countries expect leadership from Germany, but not arrogance. Remarks like "Europe speaks German" aren't very helpful.
That was the conservative Christian Democratic Union's parliamentary floor leader Volker Kauder. How is the chancellor doing her job?
Mrs Merkel was very late in making the necessary decisions to provide aid and show solidarity. It has certainly made rescuing the euro more expensive. But she doesn't refuse to provide German leadership. Instead, she exercises it in a restrained fashion. I think that's fine.
Full interview
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