Crisis and pressure help foster change - that's why I'm not so pessimistic towards crises.

[Volkswagen] is a company in crisis, ... People need to understand that. They have to change.

It's a company in crisis. People need to understand that. They have to change.

We see now that we were too pessimistic.

Shall I make you a cup of tea? He asked. It was the classic response to crisis practiced throughout these islands—in England, Scotland, and elsewhere. Emotional turmoil, danger, even disaster could be faced with far greater equanimity if the kettle was switched on. War has been declared! There’s been a major earthquake! The stock market has collapsed! Oh really? Let me put the kettle on….

If we were to have a presidential election in Europe it would be an event that would spark a huge interest in people from Lisbon to Helsinki, just like national elections. And it would create a completely different political setting in Europe.