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Chancellor Angela Merkel has prepared the German citizens in her last New Year's address in office for further burdens in the Corona crisis.
“These days and weeks, there is nothing to gloss over, are difficult times for our country.
And it will stay that way for quite a while, ”said Merkel, according to the previously published speech.
It will still be up to the citizens for a long time how Germany gets through the pandemic: "The winter is and will be hard."
With a view to the vaccination campaign that started on Sunday, Merkel said that hope has had faces for a few days: “They are the faces of the first vaccinated, the very old and their nurses, the medical staff in the intensive care units - not just with us, but in all European and many other countries. ”Every day there would be more, gradually other age and occupational groups would be added - and then everyone who wanted it.
“I'll also get vaccinated when it's my turn,” emphasized the 66-year-old.
In addition to the vaccine, the most effective means would be "in our own hands by sticking to the rules, each and every one of us," stressed the Chancellor.
She is always grateful for how disciplined most people wear masks and try to keep their distance.
"For me, this expresses what makes life in a philanthropic society possible: consideration for others, the insight into taking back oneself once in a while, the awareness of common sense," said Merkel.
Thanks to "countless people"
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The head of government had previously again recognized the commitment of many citizens: Many had surpassed themselves, "without hanging the big bell".
She named doctors and nurses, but also the employees of the health authorities, "who have suddenly moved to the center of the fight against the virus".
Countless people have contributed to "that our life was still possible despite the pandemic: in the supermarkets and in goods transport, in the post offices, in buses and trains, at the police stations, in the schools and daycare centers, in the churches, in the editorial offices. "
She emphasized that at the end of a "breathless year" it was also important to pause and mourn.
"As a society we must not forget how many have lost a loved one without being able to be close to them in the last few hours." She can only guess how bitter it must feel for her when the virus was denied by some incorrigible people will be denied.
"Conspiracy theories are not only untrue and dangerous, they are also cynical and cruel towards these people," said the Chancellor.
Angela Merkel changing her chancellorship
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Chancellor and New Year's Address through the ages: Merkel at the premiere in 2005.
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So 2006.
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2007.
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2008.
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2009.
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2010.
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2011.
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2012.
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2013.
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2014.
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2015.
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2016.
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2017.
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2018.
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2019.
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... and at her last New Year's address in 2020.
Source: Getty Images / Pool
Despite all its focus on the pandemic, Germany must not lose sight of other important tasks.
“So is everything Corona in the new year?
No, and it wasn't in the old one either, ”said Merkel.
"The world in which we live has been changing rapidly and fundamentally, and not just since the beginning of the pandemic." It is all the more important that Germany develop "courageous ideas for the future" with all its strength and creativity - for example for climate-friendly business.
"In all likelihood the last time"
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“Finally, let me say something personal,” Merkel finished her address.
"In all likelihood, this will be the last time that I will be able to address you as Federal Chancellor with a New Year's address".
There will only be another if, as after the 2017 federal election, no new government has been formed by the end of the year.
“I think I'm not exaggerating when I say: never in the last 15 years have we all found the old year so difficult - and despite all the worries and some skepticism we have never looked forward to the new year with so much hope”.