The corona crisis is also increasingly affecting Germany. On Wednesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel addressed the population in a television speech.
- Due to the rapid spread of the corona virus *, drastic measures are now also taking place in Germany *.
- After social life was largely paralyzed, an absolute shutdown could also occur in the Federal Republic.
- On Wednesday evening, the Chancellor wants to address the population in a television speech.
18:37: Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the German population in a TV address * on Wednesday evening. In it, the Chancellor speaks about the new type of corona virus and the measures that have now been taken in Germany. In her speech, Merkel describes the fight against the corona virus as a historical task. "Since the Second World War, there has been no challenge to our country that depends so much on our joint solidarity," said the Chancellor.
That is why decisive measures have been taken. The Chancellor showed understanding that these steps hit the population hard. Nevertheless, she appealed to the population to adhere to the guidelines. The measures would come to nothing if the cohesion were now lacking.
"As the government, we will always re-examine what can be corrected, but also: what may still be necessary," said the Chancellor. Merkel did not rule out further measures. The chancellor continued to learn, "in order to be able to rethink and react with other instruments at any time."
"It's serious. Since German unity, no, since the Second World War there has been no longer a challenge for our country that is so important to our common solidarity. "
Chancellor #Merkel in her speech to the citizens. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/Dinjyf8oim
Corona crisis: Federal government wants to cushion wage gaps for employees
15:59: Citizens should apparently concentrate on the essentials in times of the coronavirus pandemic . In times of exponential spread, the primary concern is to contain the virus. The federal government therefore wants to act aggressively against all fears, not for large corporations, nor for workers, and decides to cushion the wage gaps in short-time work benefits. The Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (SPD) said on Wednesday after a top meeting with employers and unions in Berlin. In addition, “disproportionate drops in wages” should be avoided in the event of a loss of work due to necessary childcare.
Corona crisis: Federal government has so far held on to the “black zero”
1:04 pm: The Federal Cabinet met in the midst of the Corona crisis and looked into current issues. For example, the key figures for the budget for 2021 were clarified. Accordingly, the federal government continues to stick to the so-called black zero in the federal budget. The federal budget should not be burdened with further debts, said Federal Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz (SPD). However, this decision does not take into account the effects of the Corona crisis.
The ministry has not yet been able to quantify the costs. Many economists expect Germany to slip into a recession - tax revenues are likely to collapse as a result. According to the next tax estimate in May, this should be incorporated retrospectively. "We can and will do everything to lead our country through this difficult time," promised Scholz.
1 p.m .: Minister of Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier (CDU) has described fast and targeted measures to stabilize the economy as central to the coronavirus crisis. Altmaier said in Berlin on Wednesday that he therefore expressly welcomes the fact that the state development bank KfW is further streamlining and bundling its procedures. “Applications for the aid loans approved last Friday are now possible and will be processed quickly. That is a good signal. "
12:56 p.m .: The consequences of the corona virus hit the German economy hard. It also has a massive impact on citizens. Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil has already announced that he wants to keep shortfalls in wages down as little as possible. The minister wants to take responsibility for the economy. "The fact is that employers can also pay more," said Heil on Wednesday in the ARD "Morgenmagazin". In discussions with the economy, it will therefore also be a question of "how we close wage gaps in order to secure purchasing power, especially for those on low incomes."
Corona crisis in Germany: Chancellor Merkel speaks to the citizens - TV speech on Wednesday
Statement of origin from March 18, 2020:
Berlin - The number of people infected with the new corona virus is now increasing rapidly in Germany . Due to the exponential spread, hundreds of new infections are now also being added in Germany within a few hours - and there could be more. In the fight against dissemination, the Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) has not ruled out a curfew despite drastic measures such as assembly bans. Because of the rapid escalation in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) wants to address the population in a television speech in the evening *. The recorded speech will be broadcast on Wednesday, March 18, from 7.15 p.m. on ntv and RTL, from 7.20 p.m. on "heute" on ZDF and from 8.15 p.m. on the ARD "Tagesschau". First, the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" reported on the television address.
Corona crisis Germany: Politicians are now demanding this from the citizens
As a government spokesman said in Berlin , no further restrictions are to be expected for the time being. The announcement is not about announcing new measures, but about calling for participation in the existing protective measures .
Before the speech, there will be a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. on current developments and economic measures.
The corona virus has spread worldwide. In Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have been particularly badly affected. "We do everything that is appropriate," Söder emphasized on Wednesday morning at "Antenne Bayern". Söder called on the people of Bavaria to abide by the restrictions. "If everyone participates, we have a good chance."
It is not yet clear how long the corona crisis will last. However, it is clear that the pandemic and the following measures will have an impact on the economy. International trade and the automotive industry are particularly sensitive. The US stock exchange experienced the worst Monday in 30 years last Monday.
The spread of the virus could also have devastating effects in the USA. There, US President Donald Trump is accused of reacting to the pandemic far too late.
Video: study - so many Germans are said to be really infected with coronavirus
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* Merkur.de is part of the Ippen-Digital editors network.