The Chancellor gives his New Year’s speech.
(Photo: via REUTERS)
Berlin Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls on the people of Germany to start the new year with confidence and energy. In view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, their own country, but also the EU and NATO, had demonstrated cohesion and strength, said Scholz in his New Year’s speech, the text of which was distributed in advance on Friday.
Germany is a “strong country,” said the SPD politician. “A country that is working with energy and speed towards a good, secure future. A country that joins forces, especially in difficult times. A country where we leave no one behind – whether in the city or in the country, whether old or young, whether well-off or less well-off, whether they were born here or came here later.”
“A difficult year is coming to an end,” said the Chancellor. “In every year’s review, the pictures of February 24th are missing, when the first Russian rockets hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa and other Ukrainian cities at dawn. Putin is waging an imperialist war of aggression in the middle of Europe.” This turning point is a severe test and many people are concerned about the war.
“We sympathize with the Ukrainians, who, even on days like today, cannot rest from the Russian bombs and rockets,” said Scholz. “And we all feel the consequences of this war in our everyday life: when shopping in the supermarket, at the gas station or when we pay the electricity or gas bill.”
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No split in the EU or NATO
But the story of this year is not just about war, suffering and sorrow. Putin did not overrun Ukraine in a few days, as he had planned. The Ukrainians bravely defended their homeland – also thanks to German help. Scholz pledges to continue to support Ukraine.
He pointed out that the European Union and NATO were not divided, as they had been in some previous crises, but were more united than they had been for a long time. Germany didn’t give in when Russia turned off the gas tap in the summer, “because we won’t let ourselves be blackmailed!” The story of the year 2022 is about cohesion and strength and also about confidence.
In this context, Scholz recalled the 29 million people who worked voluntarily and on a voluntary basis, as well as the overwhelming compassion and helpfulness with which many of the refugees from Ukraine had met. At the same time, he thanked those who are committed to safety – the police, the armed forces, the fire brigades and the rescue services.
Scholz also praised his own government: Large relief packages were put together last year so that everyone could cope with the increased prices. “Our solidarity is our greatest asset,” said the Chancellor.
Engineers and skilled workers built the new floating terminal for liquid gas delivery and the necessary lines in less than 200 days. In the coming weeks and months, more liquid gas terminals went into operation – in Lubmin, in Stade and in Brunsbüttel. “This will make our country and Europe permanently independent of Russian gas,” said Scholz. “And at the same time we’ll get through this winter.”
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