Different Voices

“We need to incentivise the saving of the planet.”
José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, on his climate change package.

“We are for democracy, and I have introduced the essence of democracy, but we cannot be as forward-looking as you are.”
Pervez Musharraf, president of Pakistan, speaking on a visit to Brussels.

“When financial markets act irrationally and are driven by herd behaviour, when stock markets demonstrate short-termism, there is no reason for finance ministers to do the same.”
Jean-Claude Juncker, chairman of the Eurogroup, on financial turbulence.

“There is always the danger that the protect-ionists in Europe – and they do exist – could use this as a kind of secret weapon to bring about protectionism.”
Malcolm Wicks, UK energy minister, on suggestions by the European Commission that importers might have to buy EU carbon allowances.