Scholz calls for respect and confidence in the face of multiple crises
Scholz referred to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine just as the corona crisis was halfway over, the bottleneck in gas supplies "and in the fall there was also the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel". The world has become "more turbulent and rougher" and "it is changing at an almost breathtaking speed", the Chancellor emphasized according to a speech distributed in advance.
"We too must therefore change" and "many of us are worried about this", said Scholz. He is taking the associated dissatisfaction to heart. "And at the same time, I know that we in Germany will get through this," said the Chancellor confidently.
He pointed out that pessimistic forecasts had not materialized despite the crises. "Because we resisted the economic slump", things had turned out differently. " Inflation has fallen. Wages and pensions are rising. Gas storage facilities are full to the brim for this winter," said Scholz, referring to successes. "That doesn't make the challenges of our time any smaller. But it does give us courage that we are up to them," he said in his speech.
It is true that there are problems, for example with the railroads or dilapidated bridges, because the country has been "run down for too long". However, investments are now being made in a clean energy supply, better climate protection and good jobs. This has not been made any easier by the budget ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court and not everything can be implemented as planned - nevertheless, Germany is "investing a record amount in our future in the coming year too".
And there will be relief, Scholz added. Specifically, he referred to tax cuts of 15 billion euros at the turn of the year, higher child and housing benefits and lower social security contributions "for all those who earn little".
"Our democracy also makes us strong," emphasized the Chancellor. In East Germany, this had been fought for 35 years ago by courageous women and men and was now "a precious commodity" for everyone. This democracy always included discussions about the right path to take. "Nothing gets better if we only talk about each other instead of with each other. What makes us strong is our willingness to compromise," emphasized Scholz, as well as "our commitment to each other".
With regard to the current flooding in parts of Germany, the Chancellor thanked "all the men and women from the fire department and the Bundeswehr, the THW, the rescue services and the many volunteers who are fighting the floods with all their strength". He also expressed his sympathy for those affected, "who we will not leave alone in these difficult hours".
Scholz emphatically declared his support for a strong European Union. He regarded the agreement on the new common European asylum system as a success. Stronger border controls had already led to "a noticeable reduction in the number of people crossing these borders".
A strong EU is all the more important against the backdrop of "Russia's war in the east of our continent", the armed conflict in the Middle East and in the run-up to the US presidential elections next fall "possibly with far-reaching consequences - also for us here in Europe".
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- Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the importance of respecting democracy, especially in view of the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.
- Scholz mentioned the challenges of diverse crises, including the corona pandemic, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the Hamas terror attack on Israel.
- He emphasized that the world has become more turbulent, changing at an almost breathless pace, and called for Germany to adapt accordingly.
- Scholz acknowledged the worries of many Germans due to these changes but expressed confidence in Germany's ability to overcome the challenges.
- Inflation has fallen in Germany, and wages and pensions have risen, with gas storage facilities full for the winter, according to the Chancellor.
- Despite the crises, Germany is investing record amounts in its future, focusing on clean energy, climate protection, and job creation.
- Scholz announced tax cuts and increased benefits for low-income families as a form of relief, addressing financial struggles faced by some Germans.
- The Chancellor praised the bravery of emergency responders fighting the recent floods in parts of Germany and offered support to those affected by the disaster.
- Scholz underscored the need for a strong European Union, citing successes in bolstering border controls and reducing refugee numbers.
- He highlighted the importance of a united Europe in the face of challenges such as Russia's war in Ukraine and the potential consequences of the upcoming US presidential elections.
- Scholz called upon Germany's SPD party to maintain confidence and unity in supporting diverse perspectives, respecting democracy, and working toward a better future for all.
Source: www.stern.de
