Nobody in Europe will be abandoned. Nobody in Europe will be excluded. Europe only succeeds if we work together.
Angela MerkelRead
At the beginning of the 60's our country called the foreign workers to come to Germany and now they live in our country. We kidded ourselves a while, we said: 'They won't stay, sometime they will be gone.' But this isn't reality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the long-term presence of foreign workers in Germany, challenging the initial belief that they would not settle permanently.
Angela Merkel's quote highlights the shift in perception regarding foreign workers who were invited to Germany during the 1960s. Initially seen as temporary visitors, the reality is that many have established themselves and become an integral part of the society, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and embracing this change rather than clinging to outdated beliefs.
Themes
ImmigrationChangeForeign WorkersSocietyDiversity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of diversity in the workplace, one might quote Merkel to underline the lasting contributions of immigrants.
More from Angela Merkel
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It certainly is dangerous that there are only a few clubs left in Europe that can afford to pay millions. At the end of the day however, the spectators decide the rates of pay - by watching the games and consuming the goods and services advertised on sports TV programmes.
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In many regions, war and terror prevail. States disintegrate. For many years, we have read about this. We have heard about it. We have seen it on TV. But we had not yet sufficiently understood that what happens in Aleppo and Mosul can affect Essen or Stuttgart. We have to face that now.
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We need... to say to people that this is a temporary residential status, and we expect that, once there is peace in Syria again, once IS has been defeated in Iraq, that you go back to your home country with the knowledge that you have gained.
Angela MerkelRead
During the course of 1989, more and more East Germans lost their fears of the state's repression and chicanery and went out on the streets. There was no turning back then. It is thanks to their courage the Wall was opened.
Angela MerkelRead
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