In a SPIEGEL interview conducted in the run-up to the G-8 summit at Heiligendamm, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, 52, discusses protest culture, argues that expectations for a climate change deal must be managed and talks about the growing rift between Russians and Americans. German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "I prefer to be closer to the people, even those who are protesting." SPIEGEL: Ms. Chancellor, at the G-8 summit in Heiligendamm, the powerful will talk behind barbed-wire barriers and a high fence, while 16,000 police officers are deployed outside. Costs have swelled to over €100 million ($134 million). Is there even a reasonable relationship any more between costs and benefits ? Merkel: I will be the first to admit that there are side effects to this sort of summit meeting that do not please me. On the other hand, these security precautions are unfortunately necessary. SPIEGEL: People are gathering to protest vocally -- against this summit and against prevailing policies. Merkel: I take a more differentiated view of this. The fundamental mood of the vast majority of protestors changed long ago. It is not simply negating or rejecting -- it is also constructive. A great deal of public attention is being paid to the process of globalization, both to the opportunities and the associated risks, as well as the summit's Africa and world climate focuses. The political realm cannot just isolate itself at times when society wants to have a say -- and it must also be open to criticism. I perceive this to be a fruitful and necessary discussion. That is why every contribution is welcome. SPIEGEL: But are these kinds of fortifications really necessary for this discussion? One of your predecessors as chancellor, Helmut Schmidt, has suggested that it might be a better idea to stage this type of global economic summit in a golf hotel or on a remote island, such as Helgoland. FROM THE MAGAZINE Find out how you can reprint this DER SPIEGEL article in your publication. Merkel: That's a legitimate question. Of course we could switch to a more remote venue. We could also decide to meet exclusively at the United Nations headquarters in New York from now on because they are used to these sorts of events there. But I would see that as similarly artificial. I prefer to be closer to the people, even those who are protesting. SPIEGEL: Will there be any dialogue between the host of the summit and the people on the other side of the fence? Merkel: I certainly have no plans to go to the protest.
In a SPIEGEL interview conducted in the run-up to the G-8 summit at Heiligendamm, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, 52, discusses protest culture, argues that expectations for a climate change deal must be managed and talks about the growing rift between Russians and Americans.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "I prefer to be closer to the people, even those who are protesting." SPIEGEL: Ms. Chancellor, at the G-8 summit in Heiligendamm, the powerful will talk behind barbed-wire barriers and a high fence, while 16,000 police officers are deployed outside. Costs have swelled to over €100 million ($134 million). Is there even a reasonable relationship any more between costs and benefits ?
Merkel: I will be the first to admit that there are side effects to this sort of summit meeting that do not please me. On the other hand, these security precautions are unfortunately necessary.
SPIEGEL: People are gathering to protest vocally -- against this summit and against prevailing policies.
Merkel: I take a more differentiated view of this. The fundamental mood of the vast majority of protestors changed long ago. It is not simply negating or rejecting -- it is also constructive. A great deal of public attention is being paid to the process of globalization, both to the opportunities and the associated risks, as well as the summit's Africa and world climate focuses. The political realm cannot just isolate itself at times when society wants to have a say -- and it must also be open to criticism. I perceive this to be a fruitful and necessary discussion. That is why every contribution is welcome.
SPIEGEL: But are these kinds of fortifications really necessary for this discussion? One of your predecessors as chancellor, Helmut Schmidt, has suggested that it might be a better idea to stage this type of global economic summit in a golf hotel or on a remote island, such as Helgoland.
FROM THE MAGAZINE Find out how you can reprint this DER SPIEGEL article in your publication. Merkel: That's a legitimate question. Of course we could switch to a more remote venue. We could also decide to meet exclusively at the United Nations headquarters in New York from now on because they are used to these sorts of events there. But I would see that as similarly artificial. I prefer to be closer to the people, even those who are protesting.
SPIEGEL: Will there be any dialogue between the host of the summit and the people on the other side of the fence?
Merkel: I certainly have no plans to go to the protest.
I take a more differentiated view of this. The fundamental mood of the vast majority of protestors changed long ago. It is not simply negating or rejecting -- it is also constructive. A great deal of public attention is being paid to the process of globalization, both to the opportunities and the associated risks, as well as the summit's Africa and world climate focuses. The political realm cannot just isolate itself at times when society wants to have a say -- and it must also be open to criticism. I perceive this to be a fruitful and necessary discussion. That is why every contribution is welcome.
No demonizing. No hostile words against leftism - indeed, positive, supportive words, and an acknowledgement that (i) they have something to say, (ii) it's legitimate, and (iii) it's not hostile or wrongheaded.
We mock the reflecy leftist-bashing enough not to acknowledge it when such wordes are pronounced. Irrespective of whether she actually listens, it's a welcome difference. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
it is a novel approach, for sure...
hint to angela, (i know you're avidly reading!):
change you're last line to:
'of course i'll be meeting them, they are voting citizens too, aren't they?
i will foster abovementioned constructive dialogue as much and as often as possible, seeing as these folks have legitimate concerns and valid rebuttals. indeed often they make entirely more sense than the gibbering idiots i have to deal with inside the fortress.
they will know that i, angela, mighty challenger to bush's hegemonic energy plan...you know the one that says there was no human-induced climate chaos till 2 days ago, and that all fossil fuels are american by diabolical right, no matter whose sand they're under, and how many pesky civilans have to be collateralised in order to get equally pesky resistance to wholesale resource rape kept to a dull roar.
now, if you'll excuse me, i have to go work on my spine-stiffening exercises. i invited gordo and tony to come do them with me, but they're busy in the back room having a quiet snack and get-together together with someone, i can't remember who...'
'yo whoever your name is!' ~"When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate." Karl Jung~
