Klingbeil: Trust Merz to lead Germany well:

"That is not common sense in the coalition."— Thorsten Frei (CDU) commented on Bärbel Bas's pension plans in ARD.

"Germany will let into its territory whoever it wants. Poland will only let into its territory whoever it accepts."— Donald Tusk criticizes the planned migration policy of the new federal government during the inaugural visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"I very much hope for a strong European cohesion."— Friedrich Merz expressed this during his visit to Tirana, where he met with European heads of state and government.

"I have always internally resisted the idea of initiating prohibition proceedings from the center of the Bundestag."— Friedrich Merz expresses skepticism about the AfD prohibition proceedings in 'Zeit'.

"And that means for me, for example, regarding the new basic security, that those who can work and are healthy (...) must also work for this income."— Thorsten Frei (CDU) commented in an interview about basic security and the necessity for able-bodied individuals to work.

"I feel great."— Martin Heilig, the new mayor of Würzburg, expressed his feelings about his election in the town hall.

"We do not tell people how they should heat or eat."— Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed in the ZDF show 'Maybrit Illner' about the freedom of citizens regarding their lifestyle choices.

Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies. And we should do our part. Sensibly approach this issue, to show that it’s not us that is slowing down the process.— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking to a small group of journalists in his office at the presidential administration in Kyiv.

"I expect that we will be complete, and I expect that everyone will vote yes."— Lars Klingbeil commented on the votes from the SPD faction during the chancellor election.

"I had the joy and the honor of being the chair of the party for six years."— Saskia Esken reflects on her tenure as SPD chair.

As long as this womanly scheming is up there, I won't vote for the CDU anymore!— Wolfgang Grupp expresses his voting decision and views on women's roles in politics during the ARD show with Sandra Maischberger.

"The working time law is not a political bargaining chip. It is a protection law that secures rest and health and is based on occupational medical findings."— Yasmin Fahimi, Chair of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and SPD politician, expresses criticism of Friedrich Merz's new working time model.

"Under my leadership, the debate about arms deliveries, calibers, weapon systems, and so on will be taken out of the public eye."— Friedrich Merz in an interview with RTL and ntv about his plans for communication regarding arms deliveries to Ukraine.

"Illegal immigration to Germany and into the German social systems must be reduced to zero."— Alice Weidel, during her speech in the Bundestag regarding migration.

"Democracy and democratic transitions are not a given."— Saskia Esken, co-chair of the SPD, warns of the dangers to democracy on the occasion of the signing of the coalition agreement with the Union.

"In difficult times, which will certainly come, I wish you encounters from which you can draw strength and confidence."— Olaf Scholz wished his designated successor Friedrich Merz success during the Großer Zapfenstreich.

"Democracies do not die overnight."— Felix Banaszak, chairman of the Greens, at the state party conference of the Saxon Greens in Neukieritzsch near Leipzig.

The diplomatic efforts we have made so far have unfortunately failed due to Russia's lack of willingness to take the first steps in the right direction.— Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

"In my view, it cannot depend on whether a party has two percent of voters or thirty percent."— Designated Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) comments on the necessity of an AfD ban procedure.

It is important that we now quickly implement the things we promised the people just a few days ago – the implementation of the active pension, so that retirees can earn 2000 euros tax-free per month.— CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann speaks about the necessity to swiftly implement promised reform projects.

"We keep our promises from the election campaign and are serious about the migration turnaround. We decide who comes into our country and end illegal immigration!"— Alexander Hoffmann, CSU group leader, stated this on X.