At the beginning of the new decade, Chancellor Merkel called for courage, confidence and new thinking. Whether digitalization or climate policy – the strength is needed to leave familiar paths.
By Angela Ulrich, ARD Capital Studio
It is this message that runs through Merkel’s New Year’s speech: the call to courage and confidence, to trust and not to be afraid. “The 1920s can be good years. Let us surprise ourselves once again with what we can do. Changes to the good are possible if we openly and decisively engage in new things.”
Dare something new
The Chancellor has an eye on digital progress that is changing life. But above all, the challenges posed by climate change. Everything possible must be done to meet this human challenge, says Merkel. “To do this, we need more than ever the courage to think again, the strength to leave familiar ways, the willingness to try new things, and the determination to act faster, convinced that the unusual can succeed – and must succeed if the generation of today’s young people and their descendants should still be able to live well on this earth. “
Fight against climate change
Merkel refers to the climate protection package adopted by the federal and state governments, which they believe offers the necessary framework for this. And that she herself – at 65 – would no longer experience all the consequences of climate change – but the children and grandchildren. That is why she wants to use all her strength to ensure that Germany does its part to get climate change under control, ecologically, economically and socially. “The law just passed provides the necessary framework – literally.”
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Merkel’s New Year’s speeches: Rarely seen in black
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If that wasn’t a message: the Chancellor made her first speech in a dark jacket with fine stripes. Just don’t apply it too thick – fashion political scientists could probably read that. Because Merkel had replaced Chancellor Gerhard Schröder with Ach and Krach in September, who had boomed on election night that the lady would definitely not become Chancellor.
Because of “Basta”: Merkel moved into the chancellery, politely supported by Schröder’s SPD. Is that why the Chancellor chose red elements?
The sensation par excellence for the press: the glasses Merkel had previously only worn in private circles. Another borderless sign of the new modesty. So much of a start was rare.
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More cooperation with Africa
The Chancellor promises to work for Europe to have a stronger voice in the world. During the German EU Council Presidency from summer 2020, Merkel wants to intensify cooperation with Africa and invite you to an EU-Africa summit, because: “Cooperation with Africa is also in our own interest. Because only if people have the chance for a peaceful and safe living will reduce flight and migration. Only if we end wars through political solutions will sustainable security emerge. “
Against hatred, racism, anti-Semitism
In her speech, Merkel also thanks everyone who works for the community, such as police officers, firefighters and civilian helpers. And those who assume political responsibility, especially in the municipalities. “Protecting you – like everyone else in our country – from hatred, hostility and violence, from racism and anti-Semitism is a task of the state, a task that the Federal Government feels particularly committed to.”
They all formed the backbone of democracy, said the chancellor. Which also campaigns for Germany to reflect on its strengths: ideas, ingenuity, hard work and tenacity of craftsmen, engineers and specialists. So a New Year’s speech that should encourage.
