If the euro becomes a factor promoting Europe's drifting apart, then the foundation of the European project is destroyed.

I have the most profound respect for the Department of Justice and the FTC. We in Europe are a younger and I would say junior institution to the historical antitrust experience of the US.

The two greatest priorities for my government are tackling tax evasion and corruption.

In the area of macroeconomic policies, I think we'll see more centralization, like in the budgetary sphere.

There is no government in Europe where ministers go through that kind of confirmation process, which in fact is modeled on the way the U.S. cabinet members are confirmed.

My aspiration is not to be loved. It is that my government be respected and credible.

I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.

I know that speaking with parties, which I do, but not very often, is seen by many as a contamination.

It is very unusual for a country to ask guys who are not politicians to come and run the country.

I believe that in Europe, we have a collective leadership.

I believe that reforms will not really take hold if they do not gradually come into the culture of the people.

Our goal of all goals and ultimate purpose of life is happiness.

I actually am a down to earth and easy going girl. Not just another model.

History never exactly repeats itself, but it does some rather good impressions.

The titanic effort that has brought liberation to South Africa, and ensured the total liberation of Africa, constitutes an act of redemption for the black people of the world.

Evidence and expertise have a well-known liberal bias.

When you can program your own life, you're just going to program what you already like. Because of that, people's taste becomes much more narrow-minded.

for civilization to survive, the human race has to remain civilized.

There is no such thing as the old age of the wise.

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?

Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs but generosity and social concern, especially toward the poor and vulnerable.