We live in difficult times. That is why it is important to be united now, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his New Year's address. In it, he also addresses disinformation on the Internet and attempts to influence the elections.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls for solidarity at the beginning of the year - and for active participation in the upcoming Bundestag elections. Anyone who looks around the world today knows "what a huge achievement free elections are", says Scholz in his New Year's address, the text of which was published in advance. He appeals to Germans not to let themselves be influenced by external factors during the elections:
"You, the citizens, decide what will happen in Germany. "It's not up to the owners of social media," Scholz said, apparently referring to Elon Musk, the owner of the X platform, without mentioning him by name. The billionaire, who is part of the team of future US President Donald Trump, has been heavily promoting the "Alternative for Germany". Such influence from abroad is unusual for democratic countries and has drawn serious criticism from other parties in Germany.
"It's not the one who shouts the loudest who decides"
In general, during the debates, one sometimes gets the impression that "the more extreme the opinion, the more attention", Scholz continued. "But it's not the one who shouts the loudest who decides what happens in Germany, but the vast majority of reasonable and decent people". This also applies to the general elections, Scholz emphasizes.
The elections were necessitated by the collapse of Scholz's coalition. They will be held on February 23.
"One against each other - we are not that kind of country"
In connection with the attack in Magdeburg, Scholz also calls on people not to let themselves be "incited against each other" by dubious content on social media. After the attack, it only took a few minutes for all sorts of rumors to spread on the Internet. Many of them turned out to be false.
"Such things divide us and weaken us. We are not a country in which we oppose each other, nor do we ignore each other. We are a country of unity. Germany can draw strength from this - especially in difficult times like these", the chancellor also stressed.
Foreigners are "part of Germany's success story"
The head of government acknowledges that the economy is struggling, that living has become more expensive and that many are increasingly concerned about Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Given these concerns, it is no wonder that many are asking what the future holds for Germany. His answer is: "Our cohesion makes us strong."
Sholz emphasizes that Germany is the third largest economy in the world, despite having only one percent of the world's population. Among the hardworking people who make this possible are "many people from other countries who help here and have long been part of Germany's success story". Germany must not allow itself to be divided.