Bill Clinton in Eisenach

Speech to the President by the Federal Chancellor of Germany

Mr. President,
dear Bill Clinton,

thank you very much for your coming, and for your speech and for the spirit of friendship expressed in your words. On our way here we discussed how history has shaped this city and where it is heading.

Eisenach has again and again been the focus of many great historical events of European, German and world history. Johann Sebastian Bach was born here. His works are known around the globe. He has become a part of the world's cultural heritage.

Martin Luther lived and worked here. His word, his belief in God, his faith and his conviction have helped to change the world. This is what has shaped this city and has made it's name known around the globe. This is why, my dear friend, Bill Clinton, it is only good and right that the President of the United States has come today to honour Eisenach with his visit.

Recent history has also been a decisive period for Eisenach, that is the time most of the people here on this square have lived through or know from the tales of their parents or grandparents: the War, the end of Nazi rule, the arrival of the Americans. The people than had the hope that: "Now it is all over, and we will find a peaceful future in Germany together". But they had to accept the bitter truth, that as a result of the lost war and the barbarism of the Nazis, also this wonderful city fell victim to the division of Germany and its people found themselves on the other side of the wall and the barbed wire.

Here in Eisenach and throughout today's new German states were just as industrious, creative and dedicated as their fellow countryman on the other side of the wall, but an inhuman regime robbed them of the fruits of their labour.

The end of Germany's devision was for all of us a blessing of history. It became a reality thanks to the help and partnership of our friends - above all the Americans - but also and above all, thanks to the determination of the people here in Eisenach and everywhere in the former GDR who said: "We are one people!", "We want freedom!", "We want peace!", "We want to live in a United Germany". Here, too, this message was unmistakable.

Mr. President, today, during our tour of General Motor's Opel plant in Eisenach, we have been able to see how the past and the future come together in Eisenach. We have met men and women who are creative and who - through their work, diligence and productive power - have succeeded in making this plant in Eisenach one of the most effective in comparison to other automobile plants in Europe.

During our discussion I told the employees of Opel Eisenach: "Here the future has already begun. That what you are creating will last. This plant does not need to fear worldwide competition. Here, nobody needs to fear international comparison."

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, it is important for our future that, at this time of dramatic change in the world, we do our part, together with our American friends, in contributing to worldwide peace, freedom and prosperity.


This, Mr. President, is the message of your today's visit. Once again, welcome to Eisenach, welcome to Thuringia and welcome to Germany.