Merkel on mask refusers: “Grateful if fines are imposed” – domestic politics

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Clear text message from Merkel

Merkel had already made it clear on Monday that she was concerned that Germany was threatened with a “disaster” in the Corona crisis.

The Chancellor also sent Corona clear text today: “We are in the middle of the pandemic. The virus is there even if it is not visible. There is no vaccine yet, nor is there a drug. That is why we are now also seeing that increased mobility and more contact between people lead to increased case numbers. We have doubled the number of cases across Germany in the last three weeks. This is a development that shouldn’t continue like this, but which we should contain. “

Her conclusion: “In any case, from my point of view, further easing cannot take place at the moment.”

The Chancellor made a clear statement to those who refused to make masks in Germany. “I am very grateful when fines are imposed,” she said. In some countries these are due if, for example, mouth-nose protection is not worn on buses or trains.

Merkel also appealed to the population to adhere to the rules to contain the pandemic. The quarantine regulations for the return of holidaymakers from risk areas are “not an option – it is a must,” she warned.

Merkel on Laschet’s candidacy: he has “tools”

Of course, at the press conference, the question of the candidate for chancellor and the race for Merkel’s successor in the CDU was also raised.

As usual, Merkel was cautious: “I’m not getting involved,” said the Chancellor.

But at the same time she praised Laschet for his qualities as Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia.

“I’ve always said to myself that whoever is the head of the CDU has to be ready and able to be chancellor too. Armin Laschet is running – and as Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, he brings many qualifications with him. Otherwise I will not interfere, it is a free decision of the CDU. “

Then she added: “If you are to rule Germany’s largest country in a coalition that works efficiently and that does not attract much attention through arguments, then this is at least a tool that has weight.”

She also thanked Laschet for his trip to Greece and emphasized: “I felt very supported.”

The Chancellor was also asked how she rated the pomp meeting with Söder in comparison to the one with Laschet: “Fortunately, I am a person who can look forward to very different things: I can enjoy a carriage ride and sightseeing at Herrenchiemsee Example just as happy as the stay in a cabinet meeting in a former state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia at a historical location, perhaps peppered with art from the 21st century. “

Merkel sums up: “If you talk about federal diversity, then I would say: My two visitors have not yet covered the entire spectrum, but they certainly give the insight that you can do it in very different ways – and exciting and Interesting.”

Political scientist Werner Weidenfeld explained to BILD with a view to Merkel’s visit to Laschet: “This day goes by without a sensation on the ongoing topic of the Merkel succession. The atmosphere was very businesslike and friendly. There was no negative message. Laschet spoke to Merkel at eye level. No observer today has any doubts that Laschet is not qualified. On the contrary: The image message of today conveys a proven suitability. ”