Joachim Gauck

A proximity to the people who are willing to take on responsibility, who are everywhere in our country and not just in politics, will be my main mission.
~ Joachim Gauck

Joachim Gauck (born 24 January 1940) is the President of Germany, serving since March 2012. A former Lutheran pastor, he came to prominence as an anti-communist civil rights activist in East Germany.

Quotes

• One thing is clear, ... A proximity to the people who are willing to take on responsibility, who are everywhere in our country and not just in politics, will be my main mission. I want to be active in inviting these people to take on responsibility and not just stand around as spectators and critical observers of public life.
  • nytimes.com

• When the ultimate case is discussed — deployment of the German military — it should be Germany can neither answer ‘no’ out of principle or give an automatic ‘yes.’
  • nytimes.com