New Year
Scholz promotes confidence in 2025 despite crises
For the Chancellor it is the last New Year’s speech before the early election. He uses it to appeal to all citizens in uncertain times.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls for unity and confidence for 2025, despite many crises and burdens. “Strength comes from solidarity. And we are a country that sticks together,” says the SPD politician in his New Year’s speech, which will be broadcast this Tuesday. This was also felt after the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market. Scholz appeals to citizens to take part in the federal election on February 23rd – and warns against influences via the Internet.
In his recorded speech, the Chancellor first recalled the death trip in Magdeburg, which turned a happy pre-Christmas evening “into an unimaginable nightmare.” “We are stunned by this inhumane act. How can a mad assassin cause so much suffering?” A man from Saudi Arabia killed five people and injured more than 230 with a car there.
“A country of togetherness”
Scholz thanked everyone who cared for and treated the wounded. The police and rescue workers acted very professionally on the “horrible night,” even though many themselves were in shock. Many market visitors also spontaneously helped. “That’s how we are. That’s how Germany is,” said the Chancellor, according to the text of the speech that was distributed in advance. “We are not a country of opposition, nor of passing each other. But a country of togetherness.”
“We can draw strength from this – especially in difficult times like these,” emphasized Scholz, referring to the weak economic situation, high prices and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Given such concerns, it is no wonder that many are wondering what will happen next in Germany. His answer was: “Our cohesion makes us strong.”
Confidence because of German “success stories”
Among other things, the Chancellor highlighted Germany’s position as the third largest economy in the world. Part of this “success story” also includes many employees from other countries who pitch in. “So let’s not let ourselves be divided.” Scholz also mentioned opportunities for advancement, good medical treatment options, close cooperation between collective bargaining partners and many everyday voluntary commitments on a small scale.
Scholz called for participation in the early elections that will take place after his traffic light coalition breaks up. “You – the citizens – decide what happens next in Germany. The owners of social media do not decide that,” he added, without mentioning the owner of Platform X, Elon Musk, by name. The US billionaire campaigned for the AfD.
“Don’t let them incite each other”
In general, one can sometimes get the impression in debates: “The more extreme the opinion, the greater the attention,” said Scholz. “But it is not whoever shouts the loudest that determines what happens next in Germany. But rather the vast majority of sensible and decent people.” This also applies to the federal election. The Chancellor added: “I hope that we do not allow ourselves to be incited against each other.” After the attack in Magdeburg, it only took a few minutes for wild rumors to spread across the Internet. Quite a few turned out to be untrue. “Something like that divides and weakens us. Something like that is not good for our country,” warned Scholz. Where there were failures by security authorities, they would be cleared up and remedied.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
