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Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Photo: Michael Sohn / AP
Germany is celebrating Christmas in the corona pandemic for the second time.
In view of the strain on society as a result, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for solidarity in his Christmas address.
“In a democracy we don't all have to agree.
But please let us remember: We are one country! «Warned Steinmeier.
And further: »We still have to be able to look each other in the eye after the pandemic.
And we want to live together even after the pandemic. "
Of course there are arguments, insecurities and fears.
Speaking out, nobody will be prevented from doing so, said the Federal President.
“What matters is how we talk about it - in the family, with friends, in public.
We feel: after two years, frustration is widespread, irritation, alienation and, unfortunately, open aggression too. "
"The state cannot put on the protective mask for us"
Steinmeier thanked the “large, often silent majority”, who had been acting prudently and responsibly for months, and appealed to the responsibility of the individual: “The state cannot put on the protective mask for us, it can too don't get vaccinated for us. No, it depends on us, on each and every one of us! "
“The pandemic has been shaping our lives for almost two years, here and around the world. Seldom have we experienced so closely how endangered our human life is and how unpredictable the future is, «the speech said. The state has seldom been challenged to protect the life and limb of its citizens. The Federal President emphasized that scientists, doctors, responsible law enforcement officers and employees in the offices would do their best to gain new knowledge, but also correct assumptions that had turned out to be wrong: “People can be wrong, but they also learn . "
In his speech, the Federal President looked back on the year 2021 and also spoke about the flood disaster in summer, the hurdles of climate change and the return of German soldiers from Afghanistan.
He praised the great solidarity with the flood victims and the commitment of many volunteers "in all corners of our society".
The Christmas speech by the Federal President will be broadcast in full on December 25th on television.
as / dpa / Reuters
