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Federal President Steinmeier in his address
Photo: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE / REUTERS
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sees cause for hope for the population regardless of all losses and restrictions due to the corona crisis.
"Yes, we have every reason to be optimistic," said the head of state in his pre-recorded Christmas address, according to the announcement.
Vaccines have been approved since this week, and vaccinations will start the day after tomorrow.
"There is still a long, arduous road ahead of us," Steinmeier admitted.
“But we see the long-awaited light at the end of the tunnel grow brighter.
We will now get closer to the exit from the crisis step by step. "
Steinmeier went into the serious changes caused by the corona crisis.
»Dear citizens, what a year!
A tiny virus has taken hold of our lives and our thoughts, has thwarted plans and destroyed dreams, «he said in his address.
It is difficult to celebrate Christmas carefree, said Steinmeier.
“Many elderly and sick people stay alone to protect themselves from the virus.
For some, especially younger ones, this silent night was far too quiet. "
In his speech, the Federal President paid tribute to people who are committed: "In a time of uncertainty, we have learned that we can trust our democracy." He recalled the work of staff in intensive care units and the concerns of their friends and relatives.
“I think of the people who lost the battle against the disease.
Many died a bitter, lonely death, and they are all missing. «Germany's neighboring countries in Europe also suffered, families, artists, innkeepers and retailers.
Those who denied the danger of the virus are often particularly loud.
"But the sensible are the vast majority." That was the good news this year.
"And that's why this Christmas is also a festival of hope!" Said Steinmeier.
»Most of the people in our country act with consideration and solidarity - not because the state orders them to, but out of reason, compassion and responsibility.
I hope that we will take this civic spirit with us into the coming year. "
The pandemic was a reminder, "How vulnerable we humans are, how fragile that is what we call our› normal life ‹," said Steinmeier.
And further: "But we were also able to experience something else: how strong we are when we take care of one another and are there for one another."
The corona crisis also casts its shadow on this Christmas, the Federal President said in the address.
But we can look forward to »that we will celebrate next Christmas again the way we love it: in a large circle of family, with our friends, with hugs and singing.
May the anticipation help us embellish these extraordinary holidays. "
The Christmas speech by the Federal President will be broadcast on December 25 at 7:08 p.m. on ZDF and at 8:10 p.m. on ARD.
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as / dpa
