Friday December 24th 2021
Christmas address 2021
Steinmeier thanks “the large, often silent majority”
In his Christmas address, Federal President Steinmeier appeals to Germans not to escalate conflicts during the Corona crisis. “In a democracy we don’t all have to be of one opinion. But please let us remember: We are one country!”
In his Christmas address, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on the Germans to treat each other on friendly terms, even in disputes. It is important to express uncertainties and fears, he said with a view to the pandemic, which has now lasted almost two years. Nobody is prevented from doing so.
What matters is “how we talk about it,” said Steinmeier. “After two years there is frustration, irritability, alienation and unfortunately also open aggression. It is true: in a democracy we do not all have to be of one opinion. But please remember: We are one country! We have to adapt after the pandemic can still look in the eye. And we want to live together even after the pandemic. “
“From the bottom of my heart” Steinmeier thanked “the large, often silent majority in our country” who have been acting prudently and responsibly for months. “Because she has recognized: We depend on each other more than ever – I depend on others and others on myself.”
The Federal President said that the state was seldom challenged to protect the life and limb of its citizens. “To do this, he needs the competent scientists, the doctors, responsible law enforcement officers and employees in the offices. They all do their best. And they all gain new knowledge, correct assumptions that have proven to be wrong, and adapt measures. People can be wrong, but they also learn. ” The state is called upon, but it cannot act alone. “The state cannot put on the protective mask for us, nor can it be vaccinated for us. No, it depends on us, on each individual!”
Steinmeier also recalled the flood disaster in the summer, the return of the soldiers from Afghanistan and expressed his concern about “what we are hearing from many parts of our troubled world, especially from Eastern Europe”. The Federal President also recalled “the huge solidarity with the flood victims”, “the voluntary commitment in all corners of our society” and “the way in which a democratic transition in mutual respect” after the federal election. He also said that many people looked “with curiosity, also with hope” at the new federal government, “which has big plans for our country”.