He wanted to do his part to “ensure a good future for our children and grandchildren”. The head of state only touched on the government crisis and the chats that triggered it, because today, on the national holiday, he wants to “look consciously at things that will affect our country in the long term”. This includes the division in the country that emerged during the pandemic, which hurts his soul: “A rift has gone through the country. Right through the country. Right through friendships. Right through families”. This must and will be healed.
Van der Bellen showed understanding for fear that had arisen on all sides. This will only disappear through reconciliation. Both sides would have to participate: “This is not a one-way street. Let’s see the good in each other,” the Federal President urged the Austrians.
“We all know what’s going on”
Van der Bellen described the climate crisis as the most important challenge: “Everyone knows. We all know what’s going on.” Some might say the old man should take a rest, I can’t hear it anymore: “But I can’t make you this joy.”
Mankind has made it to the “top of evolution”: “We have not come so far to throw everything away again within a few generations.” He wanted the children to be able to feel and learn what it means to run barefoot across a meadow, to let the fresh snow melt on their tongues, to experience the sun as a benefit and not as a threat: “I’m not going to rest until I am sure that our children will be taken care of. That the planet we are handing over will be handed over in order, “the President promised.
Hidden vaccination recommendation
Van der Bellen also couldn’t completely avoid the corona crisis. The head of state only made a hidden recommendation that the pandemic will pass and the vaccination will help. During the holiday he had already made the Hofburg available as a “vaccination castle” and thus enabled those willing to vaccinate to visit his workplace.
Video: Van der Bellen also spoke at the inauguration of the recruits
Gallery: This is how Austria celebrated its national holiday
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