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Olaf Scholz during the recordings for his first New Year's address as Federal Chancellor
Photo:
KAY NIETFELD / AFP
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on society to act together in the fight against the ongoing corona pandemic and in the planned renewal of the country.
In his first New Year's address as Chancellor, the Social Democrat appealed to citizens, according to a previously published text, to use the vaccination offers in view of the rapidly spreading omicron variant of the virus.
“Now it depends on speed.
We have to be faster than the virus, ”said Scholz accordingly.
"Let's do everything together - but really everything - so that we can finally defeat Corona in the new year." All people who have already been vaccinated twice, "I urge you to get boosted quickly," said Scholz.
"Please take these restrictions very seriously."
Scholz asked for understanding for the significant restrictions that have come into force, for example for private contacts.
The virus is even easier to transmit in the new Omikron variant, he said.
“Please take these restrictions very seriously.
For your protection, for the protection of your families.
For the protection of all of us. "
The Chancellor called on critics of the state measures, some of which have become very radicalized in recent weeks, to be respectful to one another. Of course, there are different opinions and assessments on the subject of Corona. “It is often exhausting. But a strong community can withstand contradictions - if we listen to one another. And if we have respect for one another. "
The SPD politician spoke of a year 2021 that would have "demanded a lot" for everyone, not only because of the pandemic but also because of the flood disaster.
“After the flood we all tackled together.
Together we helped, cleaned up and started rebuilding. «One cannot speak of a divided society.
“The opposite is true!
Our country stands together.
What I notice everywhere is a huge solidarity, that is an overwhelming willingness to help, that is a new moving closer together and hooking. "
In his speech, Scholz thanks everyone "who works for our well-being on a daily basis."
These are people in hospitals, nursing wards, vaccination centers, medical practices, police stations and the armed forces.
New Years Addresses of the Past Years
Merkel's New Year's Address: "Stop for a moment - and mourn"
New year's address by Angela Merkel: "The twenties can be good years"
Merkel in New Years address: "Working together across borders"
The other big task besides Corona is to lay the foundation for Germany to continue making good progress, said Scholz.
"The 20s will be a decade of new beginnings." The federal government wants to promote the greatest restructuring of the German economy.
»We will be able to master the great changes of our time together and with one another.
If we stick together as a community, ”emphasized Scholz.
With a view to Ukraine current challenges for Europe
In his speech, Scholz describes decent pay as a “question of respect”.
Therefore, the minimum wage will be increased to 12 euros.
"And that is also important to me: everyone must be able to live properly from the fruits of their own work, even in old age."
According to the Chancellor, Germany will use the G7 presidency in 2022 to "become a pioneer for climate-neutral business and a fair world."
Scholz also spoke about the conflict in Ukraine.
For security in Europe, transatlantic cooperation is »indispensable.
With a view to Ukraine, we are currently facing new challenges.
The inviolability of borders is a valuable asset - and not negotiable, ”said Scholz.
muk / svs / dpa
