Asking Quote by Angela Merkel
“The problem is, of course, that these interest groups are all asking for changes, but their enthusiasm for change rapidly disappears when it affects the core of their own interests.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Forum, 2018, Angela Merkel
Interest groups support change until it threatens their own core interests.
In simple terms: Enthusiasm fades when change harms self‑interest.
Recognize self‑interest bias.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative negotiation
- advocacy strategy
- corporate governance
- public reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policymakers sustain reform momentum?
- What mechanisms protect reforms from self‑interest sabotage?
May ignore genuine grassroots motivations.