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Chancellor Angela Merkel at her New Years address 2020
Photo: Markus Schreiber / dpa
Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for cohesion in the fight against the corona pandemic for the new year.
"It will be up to all of us for a long time to find out how we get through this pandemic," said the CDU politician in her New Year's address, according to a text that was previously distributed.
“These days and weeks, there is nothing to gloss over, are difficult times for our country.
And that's how it will stay for a while, "said Merkel accordingly.
The winter is and will remain hard.
But besides the vaccine, the most effective means against the virus would be in the hands of the citizens by sticking to the rules.
She is always grateful for how disciplined most people wear masks and try to keep their distance.
Criticism of conspiracy theorists
Merkel explicitly criticizes those "incorrigible" who denied the virus.
Conspiracy theories are "not only untrue and dangerous", they are also "cynical and cruel" towards those people who have lost loved ones in the pandemic.
"At the end of this breathless year, we also have to pause for a moment - and mourn," says Merkel.
"As a society we must not forget how many have lost a loved one without being able to be close to them in the last few hours."
The vaccinations that have now started gave them hope for the elderly, their nurses and staff in intensive care units.
"Every day there are more, gradually other age and occupational groups will be added - and then everyone who wants it," said Merkel.
"I'll get vaccinated too when it's my turn."
Progress through the "power of diversity"
The first reliable corona test was developed in Germany - and now also the first vaccine approved in Europe: the preparation of the Mainz company Biontech and its US partner Pfizer.
The Biontech founders reported that people from 60 nations work in their company.
"Nothing could better show that it is European and international cooperation, that it is the power of diversity that brings progress."
New Years Addresses of the Past Years
New Years address by Angela Merkel: "The twenties can be good years"
Merkel in New Year's address: "Working together across borders"
New Year's address by the Chancellor: "Our state is stronger than terrorism"
Merkel affirmed that the corona pandemic was a political, social and economic task of the century.
Thank you everyone for embarking on "this historic feat of strength" with trust and patience.
Many have outgrown themselves without ringing the bell - such as doctors and nurses, employees of the health authorities and the armed forces with their support.
Countless numbers have also contributed to the fact that life is still possible despite the pandemic, including in supermarkets, post offices, buses and trains, at police stations or in schools and daycare centers.
Merkel also referred to state emergency aid for companies and employees.
Last New Year's address for Merkel
The Chancellor also made a “personal” comment that this “in all likelihood” would be her last New Year address.
She will not run again in the federal election on September 26, 2021 - then how soon a successor will take office depends on the speed at which the government is formed.
"I think I'm not exaggerating when I say: never in the last 15 years have we all found the old year so difficult - and never, despite all the worries and skepticism, have we looked forward to the new year with so much hope," said Merkel looking back on her term of office.
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slü / bah / dpa
