Excerpts: Merkel's first speech

In her first speech to the German parliament, Chancellor Angela Merkel set out her plans for the future, tackling a range of domestic and foreign issues.

These are excerpts from the speech.

ON THE COALITION

I have described the coalition as a coalition of new opportunities. I want it to open up new opportunities for our country and all Germans. I want us to recognise and make use of these opportunities. For me, this means that the new government's expectations of itself and the country are high.

We want to create the conditions for Germany to be back among the top three in Europe in 10 years. I think this is a legitimate and justified expectation.

ON THE ECONOMY

We want to create the conditions for Germany once again to stand among the first three in Europe in 10 years...

One thing is clear: we all bear responsibility for the fact that we are not using our opportunities to the full. Let us release the brakes on growth... Let us show what is possible.

We want to get the labour market in shape, we want to make our schools and universities world-class, we want to bring the deficit under control and repair our health, pension and nursing systems.

ON ISLAM

Dialogue with Islam carries great significance - we have to learn to understand each other. We will do this in an open and honest way. We will not brush aside differences, but name them clearly.

ON 'SECRET CIA PRISONS'

I believe we can trust... that the American government is taking European concerns seriously and in the near future will clear up the recent reports on apparent CIA prisons, as the foreign minister was assured.

We will be not be silent on human rights violations with anyone in the world.

ON BEING CHANCELLOR

The biggest surprise of my lifetime is freedom... Let us dare to have more freedom...

Who would have thought that the highest governmental office would be given to a woman this year already?