Oskar Lafontaine
Oskar Lafontaine
Oskar Lafontaineis a German politician who served in the government of Germany as Minister of Finance from 1998 to 1999. Previously he was Minister President of the state of Saarland from 1985 to 1998, and he was also Chairman of the Social Democratic Party from 1995 to 1999...
economic effective employment euro solution together
Only together can we find an effective long-term solution to Europe's economic and employment problems. Then the euro will be a real success,
election german opposition special time
This election is special because for the first time in years I can say we have had no opposition in the German parliament.
asked becoming establish force grouping help interests nervous people political represents
People have asked me to help establish a political force that represents the interests of workers. The CDU is nervous that this new political grouping is becoming too strong.
avoid exchange steps swings
Everyone agrees we need to take steps to avoid swings in exchange rates,
cannot good team work
One cannot work successfully without good team play,
pay policies social system truth welfare
These policies are false, and we need a different approach. The truth is that they don't want to pay for the social welfare system any longer.
age age-and-aging attempt cut increase pension
This isn't an attempt to increase the pension age but to cut pensions.
europe entering phases
We are entering a new phase of European politics. What is decisive is not only do we have a single currency area, but also that it is accompanied by a co-ordinated economic and financial policy. We must drive forward tax harmonisation in Europe.
iraq operate sovereign
We are not a sovereign country; as long as the US can operate from here, we are a participant in the Iraq war.
change extent politics
We, the new left, know that we can't change politics to the extent that we will be part of a government. But we are not campaigning to govern, we are campaigning to change policies.
affect courage fact lowest possible steps
The credibility of a left-winger does not come from the fact that he should have the lowest possible income, but from his courage to take steps that affect him negatively.