At the turn of the year, Hesse's Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) recalled the importance of democracy.
“Only democracy protects us from arbitrariness and violence.
It secures peace, freedom and the rule of law in our country, and only it preserves the dignity of every single human being," Rhein said in his New Year's speech, which was broadcast on hr television on Saturday evening, according to the speech manuscript that was distributed in advance.
"We are very fortunate to live in a country today where all people have the same value and the same rights and obligations."
These achievements must be preserved and given new strength in everyday life.
"We all have it in our own hands how much compassion, helpfulness and a sense of responsibility shape our cooperation," said the Hessian head of government.
In view of the current crises, Rhein called for solidarity.
“Hesse is one of the most successful countries in Europe.
Our foundation is strong and stable,” he said.
The state government is working hard to mitigate the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine for the people of Hesse.
"We don't let anyone down and in doing so we also show that our state is and will remain capable of acting," said Rhein: "Our primary goal is for the people in the country to feel safe and to be able to face the new year with confidence even in these uncertain times “.