Berlin, Dec. 31, (dpa/GNA) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel used her traditional New Year’s Day address to appeal for social cohesion in the struggle against the pandemic, even as hope dawns in the form of vaccines.
“It will be up to all of us for a long time to see how we get through this pandemic,” Merkel said in her speech, a copy of which was seen by dpa in advance of a broadcast scheduled for New Year’s Day.
Addressing what she said were undeniably “hard times for our country” Merkel appealed to Germans to stick to the rules in the days and weeks ahead.
“Besides the vaccine, we have the most effective means in our own hands by sticking to the rules, each and every one of us,” the chancellor said.
Merkel, who is entering her final and 16th year as chancellor, thanked the majority of Germany’s residents for their discipline, for wearing masks and practising social distancing.
There was hope, Merkel said, as the first people were vaccinated across Europe and the world. Assuring that “everyone who would like to” would get a vaccine, Merkel said she would herself get vaccinated “when it’s my turn.”
The world’s scientists were another source of hope, she said, not least those in Germany who had developed the world’s first reliable coronavirus test and the first vaccine to be approved in many countries.
Mentioning BioNTech founders Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci by name, Merkel pointed out that the Mainz-based firm is staffed by people from 60 nations.
“Nothing could show better that it is European and international cooperation, that it is the power of diversity, that brings progress,” Merkel said.
The chancellor, who will step down ahead of elections in September, also stressed that at the end of what she called 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 said.
Given that, Merkel said she can only guess how bitter the bereaved must feel when some incorrigible people persist in denying the existence of the virus.
“Conspiracy theories are not only untrue and dangerous, they are also cynical and cruel towards these people,” the chancellor warned.
GNA