Scholz calls for confidence and cohesion – and emphasizes: "We will not be blackmailed"

Created: 01/01/2023 06:03

By: Markus Hofstetter

The Ukraine war and its consequences, also for Germany, are the subject of Chancellor Scholz's New Year's speech.

A central message is cohesion.

In his New Year's speech, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) calls on the people of Germany to be confident and stick together.

Because in the past year, his own country, but also the EU and NATO, had demonstrated cohesion and strength in the face of the Ukraine war.

Scholz is tough on Waldimir Putin.

He is "waging an imperialist war of aggression in the middle of Europe," says the chancellor.

This turning point is a tough test.

"We feel for the Ukrainians, who, even on days like today, have no rest from the Russian bombs and rockets." Everyone felt the consequences of this war in everyday life: when shopping in the supermarket, at the gas station or when we or pay the gas bill.

New Year's speech by Chancellor Olaf Scholz: "We will not be blackmailed"

But the story of this year is not just about war, suffering and sorrow.

Putin did not overrun Ukraine in a few days, as he had planned.

The Ukrainians bravely defended their homeland – also thanks to German help.

Scholz pledges to continue to support Ukraine.

In his New Year's speech, Chancellor Olaf Scholz focused primarily on the Ukraine war and its consequences.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa/picture alliance

He points out that the EU and NATO are not divided, as in some previous crises, but are more united than they have been for a long time.

Germany didn't give in when Russia turned off the gas tap in the summer, "because we won't let ourselves be blackmailed!" The story of the year 2022 is about cohesion and strength and also about confidence.

New Year's speech by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz: courageously continue on the path we have taken

But Scholz also praises his own government: Large relief packages were put together last year so that everyone could cope with the increased prices.

The new floating terminal for the delivery of liquid gas and the necessary lines were built in less than 200 days.

In the coming weeks and months, more liquid gas terminals went into operation - in Lubmin, in Stade and in Brunsbüttel.

"This will make our country and Europe permanently independent of Russian gas," said Scholz.

"And at the same time we'll get through this winter."

You missed these pictures in December 2022!

View photo gallery

Finally, Scholz once again emphasizes the cohesion that is "our greatest asset".

He hopes that the path taken last year will be courageously continued.

But above all: "Let's stick together in the coming year."