Franz Muentefering
Franz Muentefering
Franz Müntefering is a German politician and industrial manager. He was Chairman of the Social Democratic Partyfrom 2004 to 2005 and again from 18 October 2008 to 13 November 2009. He served as Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, as well as Vice-Chancellor, from 2005 to 2007...
clear coalition dispute groups individual talks unified
We don't dispute that unified parliamentary groups can exist, but it must be clear that coalition talks are conducted by individual parties.
begin full grand ready talks
We are ready to begin full talks for a grand coalition.
ground healthcare issues middle
We still have a lot of important issues to discuss. In healthcare there is no middle ground between our positions.
confident people win
We are confident that we will be able to win people over with Gerhard Schroeder at the helm,
chancellor claim debate ensure implement manifesto political possible remains
We are going into this debate with the political claim to implement as much as possible of our manifesto and to ensure that Gerhard Schroeder remains the chancellor of Germany.
government three weeks
In three weeks the government will be stable.
country message
The message was clear: This country does not want Mrs. Merkel as chancellor.
accounts bank contribute demands fair stronger whose
If one makes demands of the country, those whose bank accounts are stronger must also contribute their fair share.
division including initial looking round talks
Compromises had to be made, including the division of the ministries. I think we come out of this initial round of talks looking very successful.
seeing starting turning voters
They are starting to panic. They're seeing that the voters are turning away from Merkel.
carry coalitions grand parties strengthen work
Grand coalitions carry risks, ... When they don't work convincingly they can strengthen parties on the fringes.
belong cabinet chairman decision left longer next open party whether
I can no longer be party chairman under these conditions. I left my decision open as to whether I will belong to the cabinet after the next party congress.