the necessity to value the German language higher is utterly important. Especially as a message of the base to the top of the party. And yes, as well towards the immigrants, who are crippling most of all their own chances when not accepting German as the prime language in Germany, but with that as well the rest of us.

I don't disagree on the surface. But, the way this is usually related to immigrants in conservative discourse is not of something to be offered to them (which would be sensible for something that, as you say, cripples their own chances; and indeed most immigrants do aspire to learn German all on their own), but something required from them, even as condition to get certain things. (I should also point out that concern for language protection can devolve much beyond simple language tests -- see my recent Slovakian-Hungarian frontpage story.)

I found it very interesting that you connected the base's vote to just what Sick criticised, the undermining of German by Germans themselves. Has such criticism of the party leaders been explicitely formulated at the party conference or before it?

At any rate, the Oettinger quote is a gem. Though, one that surprises me less --

If ever the working language in politics becomes English in Germany, we do have serious trouble

I think Oettinger didn't mean his own profession -- in fact, given the predilection of German politicians to dig up rare/old words and expressions and create new ones to pepper up their rhetoric, I am pretty sure he simply to forgot about his own profession. Rather, I think he was communicating views he got from his friends in big business. You know I am a leftie, but this time I'm bringing up "big business" not out of some anti-capitalist association, but purely out of personal observation: I'm all too aware of these views. (This is to be part of that Neudeutsch diary.)

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}