I wouldn't calculate this in fiscal terms. I would just say that we're pleased that the Eastern states have become much stronger, that a lot has been put into action and that Germany has become culturally richer. So I think it's a wonderful story.
Helmut Kohl's great vision was for a unified Germany inside a united Europe. Today, Europe is anything but united, with countries like Greece and Spain and Ireland still beset by serious structural problems. Europe is showing signs of strain. What's the long-term fix?
I think that Europe today is a lot more united than it was 20 years ago. The whole Lisbon Treaty is an expression of cohesion. And in the same way as there are often discussions in Germany between the federal government and the federal states, so there is a similar kind of discussion in Europe. But that also shows the riches and the strength of the EU. And on the larger global questions like environment, financial systems, raw materials or energy politics, Europe, with its 500 players, can play a much more meaningful role in the world than any single member could play alone.
How united is Germany, really, in 2010 or 2010? Immigration is a hot button issue here, as it is across Europe. And relations with the Muslim community here in Germany are tense, to say the least.
We've taken a remarkable step forward here in Germany. Before, we spoke of multiculturalism, parallel societies or even in my own party, there were those who spoke about guest workers who would soon leave Germany. We've all understood now that immigrants are a part of our country. They have to speak our language. They have to receive an education here. And so when I look at the difficulties of other countries, I think, yes, we also have problems, but they're not unique.
A year ago, you said Germany faced the biggest economic challenge since reunification. While the German economy has certainly bounced back remarkably well in the past year, the Eurozone and U.S. economies are struggling. How concerned are you at this point about a double dip recession?
I don't think that we'll have a double dip recession. I think we'll experience sustainable growth. In some areas, that may be a bit slow. It's not guaranteed that the growth we're experiencing now will continue over years. But I think, overall, we've acted smartly. G20 worked together well and I'm definitely optimistic that we can get through it, if we regulate the markets prudently and when we find the correct exit strategy after those expensive stimulus programs. |