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Düsseldorf (dpa) - To support the retail trade in lockdown, NRW Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) has called on people to buy vouchers instead of ordering Christmas gifts on the Internet.

"We also have a duty to show solidarity with those who close their doors to contain the pandemic and have to accept enormous loss of income," said Laschet on Tuesday in a special session of the state parliament in Düsseldorf.

Without naming names, he pointed out that the online companies in Europe did not pay a cent in taxes - at the expense of those who now contributed to the pandemic.

"Maybe not every present has to be ordered online for the next few days," said Laschet.

Local retailers would be happy if vouchers were bought that could be redeemed after the shops reopen.

"State aid is one thing, personal solidarity with local traders who are fighting for their existence is another," said Laschet.

"At least that's how I will do it."

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A hard lockdown will apply in Germany from Wednesday until January 10th.

The retail trade is largely closed.

Exceptions are, for example, the grocery trade, pharmacies and drug stores.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201215-99-702168 / 3