The talks on forming a grand coalition are going back and forth and are unlikely to lead to a modernization of the German economy.

A grand coalition would be perceived negatively by the markets. It would be unlikely to push through any reforms because the parties hold contradictory positions and would neutralise each other.

Germany, more than almost any other country, is benefiting from a world economy that's expanding robustly for a third year. We are and remain the winners from globalization.

We need a change in economic policy and the FDP is most likely to deliver that change, that's why we want the FDP to get as many votes as possible. A grand coalition is the wrong answer to the problems we're facing.

I expect two interest-rate increases of 25 basis points each this year.

The risk the recovery turns out to be a flash in the pan is enormous.