German Chancellor Merz:

We are entering a new era of great-power politics. We are already in the midst of it.

The winds are harsh, and we all feel the threats they carry. But we have to be very clear: We are not subordinate to this world; we can form it.

German Chancellor Merz:

Dictators might have subordinates; we rely on partners and reliable friends. That principle will guide our work, and we will ensure it is not forgotten.

German Chancellor Merz:

We must become capable of defending ourselves independently in Europe. We want to reduce the dependencies that currently make us vulnerable.

German Chancellor Merz admits:

Both Germany and Europe have wasted incredible potential for growth in recent years by dragging their feet on reforms and by unnecessarily and excessively curtailing entrepreneurial freedom and personal responsibility.

We must substantially reduce bureaucracy in Europe. The single market was once created to form the most competitive economic area in the world.

Instead, we have become the world champion of overregulation. That has to end.

German Chancellor Merz:

The world around us is changing at an unprecedented pace. The direction it is taking should concern us: a world of great-power rivalry is becoming the new reality.

Europe has understood this message — and Germany has as well. We will live up to these challenges.

German Chancellor Merz:

The entire energy system has to be reformed, and we are on a way to do that, even though it’s not easy.

Nuclear power plants have been switched off. This is a final decision; we cannot recall that, but we have to address it.

New gas-powered plants will be in place.

Davos host Fareed Zakaria urges audience to hold boos during Israeli President Herzog interview.

Israeli President Herzog:

Where are all those who attack us for defending ourselves?

Why don’t they demonstrate in front of Iranian embassies and cry out for the Iranian people?

Israeli President Herzog:

No one is willing to go into Gaza and fight except our soldiers — our sons and daughters.

Israeli President Herzog:

Saudi Arabia normalization with Israel is my dream.

Israeli President Herzog:

The overall aim should be a quiet and peaceful life and peaceful coexistence with Syria.

We wish well to Syria and to its leaders — that they can bring a better future for the Syrian people.

We listen to our friends, the Americans, who are very much involved and are meeting with President Sharaa and his team.

The proof is in the pudding.

Zelensky arrives in Switzerland. He will meet with Trump.

Russia’s Foreign Spy Service Chief Naryshkin:

Donald Trump has enough political instinct not to give in to provocations by European “allies” on the issue of Ukraine.

NOW: Trump shows up for his "Board of Peace" meeting.

Trump to Board of Peace members:

You are leaders of nations — in most cases very popular leaders, in some cases less so — but that is how life goes.

Trump:

Today, world is richer, safer, and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago.

We put out all those fires, a lot of people did not know including me, that some of those wars were going on.

Trump:

We were very pleased to be able to stop a war that had begun between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations.

I was deeply honored when the Prime Minister of Pakistan said that President Trump had saved 10 — perhaps even 20 — million lives by stopping it just in time.

Very bad things were about to happen.

Trump:

We are working on Egypt and Ethiopia.

A dam was built, and the water no longer flows the way it should. When I think of Egypt, I think of the Nile — and I think of the Nile with water in it.

Trump:

If Hamas doesn’t give up weapons, it’s gonna be the end of them.

BREAKING: Trump:

Iran wants to talk — and we will talk.

Trump on Syria:

I’ve spoken with the President there, and he is making tremendous progress — truly tremendous.

We’re happy about that. We lifted all sanctions, giving them a chance to breathe.

He is working very, very hard, and I think he’s going to put it all together.