Rarely emotional address
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Chancellor Angela Merkel’s (66) seldom so moving New Years address begins with the words “What a year is behind us”. As was to be expected, the main focus is on the coronavirus and how the pandemic affects people’s lives – namely, “where we are most human: in close contact, in a hug, in conversation, while celebrating” Chancellor quoted by the “Tagesschau” among others.
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Conspiracy theories are “cynical and cruel”
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The crisis, which Merkel describes as “historical”, is “a political, social, economic task of the century”. The Chancellor thanked the citizens for their consideration during the pandemic and it should not be forgotten “how many have lost a loved one without being able to be close to them in the last few hours”. She can’t relieve people’s pain, but think about them. At the same time, Merkel also mentions the many conspiracy theories surrounding the virus. These are “not only untrue and dangerous, they are also cynical and cruel towards these people”.
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The Chancellor, who no longer wants to run in the upcoming general election, closes with personal words. It is her probably last New Year’s address, with which she addresses the people. During her tenure, Germany never “found a year so difficult – and despite all the worries and skepticism we have never looked forward to the new year with so much hope”.
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The address will be broadcast on the evening of December 31 by numerous German TV stations. It can be seen on ZDF from 7:15 p.m., including on Erste, NDR, WDR, HR, RBB, SWR and on Phoenix and Tagesschau 24 at 8:10 p.m.
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