Coronavirus: German President pleads for more solidarity in Europe

Text by: Pascal Thibaut Follow

The current pandemic and the restrictive measures imposed on the populations are pushing political leaders to address their fellow citizens. After Angela Merkel who recently spoke on television, it is the German President who does the same this Saturday evening. Frank-Walter Steinmeier placed solidarity at the heart of his speech.

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From our correspondent in Berlin,

Frank-Walter Steinmeier has shown restraint since the start of the pandemic. The head of state exercises moral authority in Germany and does not manage the country on a day-to-day basis. His speech in the middle of Easter weekend is a first apart from his traditional Christmas wishes.

The German president hailed the resolution of his fellow citizens in the crisis , be it the medical staff at the outposts as well as each citizen. He hoped that the current cohesion of society would leave traces once the crisis is over. " The next world will be another " for Steinmeier who sees the worst and the best oppose.

For his country, but beyond, Frank-Walter Steinmeier pleaded for more solidarity: " Germany cannot emerge strengthened and in good health from this crisis if this does not apply to our neighbors in Europe. 30 years after the reunification of our country, 75 years after the end of the Second World War, we are not called to show solidarity with Europe, we must do it. "

Beyond Europe, Frank-Walter Steinmeier rejects withdrawal and national solutions. The results of research, future vaccines and therapies must be shared and accessible to the poorest.

With the heads of state of Jordan, Ethiopia, Ecuador and Singapore, Steinmeier advocated for a global alliance allowing progress against the pandemic to benefit everyone.

► Read also: Coronavirus: Christine Lagarde calls on Europe to unite to overcome the economic shock

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• Coronavirus
• Germany
• Health and Medicine
• European Union

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