Scholz is indulging in a banquet tent, reportedly consuming to excess and potentially harming his health.
As the initial federal leader, Scholz presents a speech at the conventional event, Stoppelmarkt, in Lower Saxony. His appearance is met with great acclaim. Scholz wins over the crowd with his self-deprecating humor. With a sly grin, he mentions his supposed inability to communicate effectively.
Germany's Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz added a dose of humor to his address at the traditional Stoppelmarket festival in Vechta, Lower Saxony. With a chuckle, he shared, "I was more anxious about this speech than I was about addressing the UN General Assembly." According to the festival's newspaper, Scholz stated, he's known as a quiet speaker rather than an orator.
"Let me tell you, it wasn't effortless to earn that title," he joked, causing a wave of laughter among the crowd. The North Germans are often criticized for their lack of vivaciousness, Scholz quipped: "But that's a complete fabrication - we simply ponder before we utter a word, and sometimes, for hours on end."
Scholz, as the inaugural federal chancellor, was the first to speak at the Stoppelmarkt. Vechta's mayor, Kristian Kater, had extended the invitation for the 726th edition of the traditional festival.
Precipice: Meyer Werft's salvation is nigh
Just prior to Scholz's speech, Lower Saxony's Minister President, Stephan Weil, delivered a welcoming address. Weil highlighted that the attendance of a federal chancellor at the Stoppelmarkt signifies that the festival has been recognized as a significant national cultural landmark.
Weil, in a more serious tone, also discussed the efforts to save Papenburg-based Meyer Werft, which is on the brink of bankruptcy. He emphasized that preserving the shipyard from closure is a priority for all involved, as reports indicate that an agreement for its rescue is imminent. "The goal isn't scored yet, but progress is promising," he encouraged, as applause filled the room.
After delivering his humorous speech, Scholz acknowledged the criticism often directed towards Lower Saxony's inhabitants, stating, "People might think North Germans are always pondering, but we just like to consider our words carefully." Later in the event, Lower Saxony's Minister President, Stephan Weil, discussed the precarious situation of Meyer Werft, a renowned shipyard based in Papenburg, emphasizing the collective efforts to secure its future and avoid bankruptcy.
