Angela Merkel quotes Greek philosopher on negotiations

Before the main news bulletins this evening, German television stations carried German Chancellor Angela Merkel's New Year's Eve address to the German people.

"Fifty years ago this evening 'Dinner for One' was first performed in Hamburg, It was the first day of the German Football League. In 1963 John F Kennedy said his famous words: 'Ich bin ein Berliner' at the Wall in West Berlin. Also that year Germany and France signed the Elysée Treaty. For France Charles DeGaulle signed and Konrad Adenauer signed on behalf of the German people."

She quoted Adolf Kolping's line on how people who show courage create a brave society.

"Every day families carry out extraordinary acts of kindness towards their children and family members. Trade unionists and employers help create an environment where people can work in security and respect. They make our communities human and successful.

"Germany is experiencing the lowest unemployment rate since the unification.

"Next year is not gong to be easy, economically it is going to be more difficult than 2012.

"In recent days I met a 10-year-old boy who was born almost deaf. Now as a result of great medical progress he can enjoy listening to an orchestra.

"I also met a woman who underwent major heart surgery and is now living a normal life. Just two examples of the the results of our scientific progress.

"Research in our country means jobs and security.

"We have to balance our books and our economy has to be returned to financial rectitude. We need patience and the crisis is far from over. We still have not learned all the lessons from the banking failures of 2008. Our reforms are working but there are very difficult days ahead.

"In these days we particularly remember those who help make our country a secure and safe place to live, our soldiers and police, who serve our country, especially those who are on service abroad."

She quoted from a Greek philosopher, who said, "Courage* is at the beginning of negotiations and happiness at the end."

"Ideas and innovation help make our country a progressive, human and successful society.

"I wish you all a happy and peaceful New Year and God's blessing."

*The German word for 'courage' is 'Mut'. But the German word for 'anger' is 'Wut'. In Frau Merkel's address it would be quite easy to think she had said 'Wut' rather than 'Mut'. At least for the hard of hearing.