Scholz 'New Year's address: commonality for a better 2025!

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) held his last New Year's speech before the early Bundestag election on December 31, 2024. In this speech, which will be broadcast in ZDF and ARD in full length on Tuesday evening, Scholz appeals to the population, confidence and common ground for the coming year 2025.

The Chancellor emphasized that strength arises from cohesion and recalled the tragic attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market, in which five people were killed and over 230 were injured. Scholz described this incident as a "unimaginable nightmare" and "catastrophe" and expressed his bewilderness about the inhuman act that was committed by a man from Saudi Arabia living in Germany.

encouragement for commonality and critical reflection

Scholz thanked the police and rescue workers as well as the market visitors for their helpfulness on the "terror night" and emphasized the use of first aiders and pastors. A sausage seller who prepared tea for rescue workers and injured was mentioned as an example of the solidarity and helpfulness of the citizens.

In addition, the Chancellor addressed the subsequent rumors about the attack and their negative effects on society. He warned of the tendency to spread extreme opinions and false information, and criticized the role of social media that should not decide on the future of Germany. In doing so, he called on the citizens to give up their vote in the Bundestag election on February 23 and not be leveraged against each other.

Scholz also outlined the challenges in front of Germany: the weak economic situation, high prices and the war against Ukraine. Despite these problems, he emphasized Germany's status as the third largest economic nation and encouraged people to look optimistically into the future, whereby the cohesion was emphasized as a central value.

For further details on Scholz 'New Year's address and his wishes for 2025, the reporting of SWP referred to all essential points. Also rnd provides detailed information Topics that were cut in the speech.