• Coronavirus in Europe. Germany: "The goal is to open borders by June 15"
  • Coronavirus, EU: "Open borders between countries with an epidemiologically similar situation"

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May 13, 2020 "We are still in the pandemic and there will still be a long time", and Angela Merkel sees "an obligation: do not put at risk what we have done". The chancellor said so in response to questions from Members in the German Bundestag.

Merkel warned of the "risk of a relapse", recalling that everything that has been achieved in Germany in the management of the Coronavirus has been possible thanks to the cohesion of citizens, economy and state. "It would be depressing if we had to go back to want too much too quickly," he added. "We are courageous and vigilant," he urged, asking that in the jobs, in the economic activities that resume, in the places where you will play sports, "respect the basic rules", such as distance and hand hygiene. "I am convinced that if we stay consistent we all earn."

We do not plan tax increases
There will be no tax increases in Germany to finance the coronavirus crisis. Angela Merkel said this when answering questions from Members of the Bundestag. "As of today, no tax increases are planned," said the chancellor, who stressed, however, that we are talking about the present: "We answer for today, otherwise we would be seers".     
Merkel recalled the support decided on the labor market and the aid to the companies. "I am happy that the pandemic reached Germany while it was in a good economic situation," explained the chancellor, because "we have a chance to overcome the crisis well".     

New Slaughterhouse Regulations
Merkel also announced new regulations for the slaughterhouse situation in Germany, in many of which new coronavirus outbreaks have developed. "Fearful news has come to us from the meat processing industry," added the chancellor, explaining that the issue concerns in particular the accommodation of many workers in collective housing. Next Monday, the Ministry of Labor will present, Merkel has announced, new projects to tackle the problem of slaughterhouses.

Russian hacking evidence against me
Angela Merkel expressed frustration today that there is "clear evidence" that there are "outrageous" hacking attacks from Russia against German MEPs and the chancellor herself. "I must honestly say that it is very painful for me - he said -. As I strive daily to improve relations with Russia, there are then signs so evident that Russia is doing this."

Respect of the Court but we want a strong Europe
"The Court's judgment must be respected" but "the German government will make its contribution to give an answer in the sense of a strong Europe," Angela Merkel told the Bundestag in answering a question about judgment of the Constitutional Court on the ECB. "We want a common and strong currency," he stressed.