Europe

“He wouldn't take no for an answer.”— Dannii Minogue said this while describing Russell Brand during an interview for his MTV show in 2006.

“I can very well imagine that in 2027 we will elect a woman as Federal President for the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. That would be good.”— Friedrich Merz made this remark in August 2025, during the German federal government's open day, about electing a woman to the office of Federal President.

“I regret the hardship caused to the children, of course. But the hardship has been caused by serious criminal offending by their father.”— Judge Joel Bennathan spoke in court about the impact of the case on Brand’s children.

Members of other parliamentary groups could bring me into office by abstaining—but then make me fail on important proposals. And that would also jeopardize the AfD’s success nationwide. We have a historic opportunity now, and I can’t put it at risk for the sake of a position. That’s why I have to weigh my options.

— Ulrich Siegmund explained to the Magdeburger Volksstimme why he is keeping his options open in the minister-president election.

“His behavior is all tailored towards sports performance — his diet, his sleep, and his recovery. He is a person deeply concerned with eating well, sleeping well and preparing his body properly. In my opinion, this is clearly where Cristiano's longevity comes from.”— Luis Castro, who worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, said this to Sky Sports in May 2025.

As a Jew, I will worry about antisemitism again when the genocide in Palestine ends. That is by far the bigger problem right now.

— Susan Neiman, speaking in an interview about the war in Gaza and the debate over antisemitism.

We have unnecessary government agencies and ministries. That’s where savings can be made. The number of civil-service positions is being expanded, even though the government promised it would cut them. None of that is happening; instead, taxes are being raised.

— Thorsten Alsleben, managing director of the Initiative Neue Soziale Marktwirtschaft, speaking in a WELT interview about government spending cuts.

There are no words of comfort; nothing can ease this immeasurable grief.

— CD Tenerife issued these words in a statement following the death of Jesús de Miguel.

“My role as exclusive intermediary was memorialized in written agreements drafted and signed by both Russia and Ukraine.”— Melania Trump said this during her remarks at the White House about the ceasefire in Oleshky.

“I am constantly in Russia; I speak with everyone there—with artists, ordinary people, officials—and if I can help with official contacts in Russia, I’m ready to do so immediately.”— Alexander von Bismarck said this, according to a transcript published by Compact, at the opening of a TV studio in Magdeburg.

“The allegations are baseless. I will fight them and am considering legal action.”— Boris Palmer, in a public statement responding to the allegations against him.

I wasn't as self-confident at 17, but I wasn't as good at 17 either.

— Germany coach Jürgen Klopp said this on DFB-TV about 17-year-old Wael Mohya, whom he had selected for the national team.