Schmidt and Gauck speak great words

This week former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt and the current Federal German President, Joachim Gauck, spent 90 minutes talking to Maybrit Illner on German television.

Helmut Schmidt spoke so passionately about the importance of the European Union. He argued against the holding of a referendum on any aspects of the EU. Spoke so eloquently about representative democracy.

He noted his respect for Jacques Monet and he recalled asking Monet for advice on two occasions.

And then, almost with no context, he spoke about a Germany that had murdered six million people, and that in Poland.

Both men stressed the importance of never forgetting what the Germans did.

Helmut Schmidt must be Europe's outstanding person and has been so for over 40 years.

When asked if he was impressed with this or that, he quickly pointed out to be impressed with people and ideas is not at all the issue.

Jokingly, when talking about the importance of a united Europe he said that we should all speak English and then quipped with a large smirk: "but the French would never allow that'".

Joachim Gauck, the former Rostock pastor, too spoke most eloquently.

Both ment stressed the vital importance of the EU concept.

And as is always, all rules were allowed to be broken so that Herr Schmidt could smoke.

Two wise and great men.

Ninety minutes of fascinating television.