After Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and other political leaders, Gerhard Schroëder, Federal Chancellor of Germany, delivered his own "special message" before the audience of Davos (January 28, 2005) ; a message that indeed sounded different.

Of course, the proposals made by French President Jacques Chirac and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have been mentioned (they make the buzz here in Davos). Of course, the aid given by Germany to help Asia after the Tsunami has been reminded.

Germany, as we know, feels deeply concerned with the fight against poverty and the need to sustain development. All those subjects have been dealt with here in Davos – both by Federal Chancellor and moderator Daniel Vasella, Novartis chairman. But only briefly during a short introduction.

Today, Schroëder’s speech was mostly about Germany : its growth, its market share, its university system (that offers opportunities), its reforms needed, the drug industry, its position on Iraq and even the need for more day nurseries in Germany !

These, of course, are interesting topics. But, apparently, not interesting enough to make the audience of the WEF ask any question after the speech…

– Benoit Petit