A wonderful signal and omen for the new year

In his speech at the turn of the year 2020/2021, Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann thanks the many people in the country who are particularly committed and act together for corona memia. At the same time, Kretschmann demands the vaccination of people.

"Dear fellow citizens, dear compatriots,

Especially today, on New Year's Eve, noticeable: our longing for carefree, for community. Pandemic is a hard test for all of us. It shows how insecure the soil can be on which we go, how fragile life is.

I think especially of the people and their families who died in this pandemic. I think of those who are seriously ill and still struggle with the consequences of this insidious virus. I think of those who have suffered severe blows or have to struggle with loneliness. The same applies to those who fear for their job to fight their business or not do their job. She all hit this crisis particularly hard, and that certainly hurts our hearts.

strength through joint action

At the same time, the pandemic also showed how strong we are when we act together. That people can surpass themselves under the most adverse circumstances:

• I saw students and pensioners who volunteered at thousands to help in hospitals or vaccination centers.
• I met young people who regularly do the daily concerns for the elderly.
• The armed forces and the police, the Red Cross and the Technical Aid Organization that stepped in and helped wherever they were needed.
• pastors who have not left people alone in their loneliness.
• teachers who not only taught children and young people, but also gave them support and orientation.
• just like the medical profession and the nursing staff who do something superhuman in homes and hospitals. Even now, in these minutes.

All of these people are our biggest pound in this crisis, and I would therefore like to express my very special thanks. In addition, pandemic has also changed some perspectives: it has become clear how important state institutions are. What fundamental importance has an orderly community despite all the mistakes and inadequacies.

In contrast, populism did not pass the reality test. In many countries around the world, populist phrases have not only proven to be hollow, but also extremely dangerous. We have once again experienced the immense importance of the spirit of research and courage. This is the only way to develop vaccines against the virus, which are not only safe, but also in a shorter time than ever.

A performance that fulfills me with admiration for human creativity.

vaccination

I ask you, dear compatriots: Take the opportunity that is now available. Remember how many terrible epidemics and suffering vaccines have freed us in the past few decades. Be vaccinated!

Ladies and gentlemen,

We all have a dry spell in front of us. We have to last a few more months. But we do in the justified hope to defeat the virus in the coming year. We do this with the prospect that our life becomes more carefree and freer again. And we do this with the reasonable trust that we can start again at full speed soon. At school, in business, in the theater.

We have already vaccinated the first people in Baden-Württemberg. A wonderful signal and omen for the new year. For a better year. Because we also learned a lot from this crisis. With new perspectives. And new possibilities.

In this sense my wife and I wish you a happy new year, lots of strength and confidence. Hold on bravely, stay healthy! ""

Questions and answers about corona vaccination and the vaccination centers

Further information about the coronavirus in Baden-Württemberg

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