Angela Merkel on Europe: 'We Are All in the Same Boat'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

In a SPIEGEL interview, Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses Germany's power in the euro crisis and explains why the country exports weapons to authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia.

Some excerpts of the interview:
  
SPIEGEL: The mixture of one-party rule and capitalism seems to work very well in China. Nevertheless, will the Western model, the combination of market economy and constitutional democracy, ever stand a chance in such countries?
Merkel: Human rights are indivisible. Human dignity isn't just important in Germany, but everywhere in the world. I'm convinced that the rule of law, democracy and freedom will be unstoppable everywhere in the long run.
SPIEGEL: Does that mean that countries like China will come to resemble Europe more than the other way around?
Merkel: Human rights are indivisible. Aside from that, it's important for Germans and Europeans to recognize that China is going to great lengths to become prosperous, as well. If, in doing so, it behaves fairly in relation to global competitors, we have no right to stand in its way. Instead, we have to make sure that we keep up with this dynamic economic development and take advantage of our opportunities in connection with the country's rise to prominence. At the same time, I'm under the impression that the Chinese leadership is certainly aware that the population expects greater respect for the rule of law, more efforts to fight corruption, more environmental protection and more freedom.
 SPIEGEL: There is a curious circumstance by which you are very popular here in Germany but a controversial figure in other parts of Europe. Do you pay too much attention to German interests and too little to European neighbors?
Merkel: As the German chancellor, I always want to best for Germany and for Europe because I am profoundly convinced that Europe's prosperity in 20 years depends on how we set the course today. If we do not view ourselves and our strengths and weaknesses in a global context, if we forget or ignore how hard countries in Asia or South America are working to become more competitive, Europe will fall behind globally. We have to have this discussion, even if it is controversial at times.

For the complete SPIEGEL Interview with Angela Merkel on Euro Crisis and Arms Exports - SPIEGEL ONLINE