In his first government statement, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the biggest transformation of the economy and production in 100 years. At the same time, he talked about overcoming the coronary crisis.
“There are 250 years behind us, in which our prosperity was based on the burning of coal, oil and gas. We now have about 23 years ahead of us to abandon fossil fuels and we will abandon them,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. his first government statement to the Bundestag. Germany must achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The government is committed to respecting the Paris climate agreement and will contribute to its success. “Therefore we have before us the greatest transformation of our industry and economy, at least of the last 100 years”
Scholz expressed confidence in the successful transition of energy supply to more climate-friendly alternatives. For this, Germany must at least double its production of renewable electricity by 2030. By then, 80% of electricity needs must be met by renewable sources. This is a gigantic task. “But I am very confident that we will achieve it,” said the SPD politician. “The country’s well-being depends on its ability to build the necessary infrastructure in an era of climate neutrality. Scholz.
Scholz promises a progressive government
His government is the government of social, social and cultural progress, said the new chancellor, but stressed above all the technical progress. Only with it will Germany be able to achieve climate neutrality and remain competitive in global competition. The new federal government will resolutely embark on the path of renewal and transformation at all levels, Scholz said.
The “strength of progress” is manifested precisely in the pandemic, the head of government added, adding that the corona vaccine developed in Germany has saved the lives of millions of people around the world. “intelligent modernization makes the world a better place.”
There are no red lines in the fight against the pandemic
Regarding the coron pandemic, Scholzi reaffirmed the target of injecting 30 million doses of vaccine by the end of the year, as the first, second or booster vaccine. As of November 18, 19 million doses have already been injected. Now it’s important to do the rest in the days left. This is the only way for Germany to leave behind the corona wave, Scholzi said.
“The federal government will not rest for a moment and we will activate all possible levers until we regain our former lives and all our freedoms,” the chancellor continued, adding that his cabinet would take all necessary measures. “We will do whatever it takes, there is no red line for the federal government.”
Resistance against an extremist minority
The Social Democrat politician at the same time assured the citizens of the possibility of overcoming the corona crisis: “Yes things will improve, yes, we will fight this pandemic with maximum determination and yes, we will win this battle.” However, there is no time to lose, he added. Scholz admitted that sometimes it was hard not to let go of courage in these “dark days”. No one feels very good these days, not even him. “I know that keeping distance and being happy do not fit well with each other.”
Chancellor Scholz is very harsh with coronation deniers – like here in Berlin
In this context, the chancellor uttered harsh criticism of the corona deniers. According to him, in Germany there is a small, extremist and rampant minority, which in the pandemic has turned its back not only on science, rationality and reason, but also the state, society, democracy and community. Scholzi announced that he would resolutely oppose the tendencies of radicalization in society. “We will not allow a small minority of rampant extremists to try to impose their will on our entire society,” he said clearly. We will oppose this “too small minority” by all means of the democratic rule of law. “Our democracy is a democracy that defends itself.”
At the same time, Scholzi called for greater social cohesion. “One of the strong points of our country and one of the main points
“One of the strengths of our country and one of the main conditions for our economic success has always been our social cohesion,” he said. “But this social solidarity is threatened. That is why” respect, recognition and consideration of the other. ” should prevail again.
Against racism and sexism, for a reason-led migration
Scholz promised people of foreign origin living in Germany greater participation in society. “We are talking about almost a quarter of our population here.” The Federal Republic is an immigration country, but it needs to become an even better place of integration, he added. social on the road “, stressed the chancellor.
Any respect policy implies systematic opposition to racism, sexism and any other discrimination.
For Scholz, facilitating German citizenship is also part of this policy. Multiple citizenship should be possible, as well as obtaining citizenship after five years. “We will pursue a reason-led migration policy, which encourages legal migration and reduces irregular migration.” This means fast asylum procedures and good prospects for people who are well integrated here, but also significant returns to countries of origin, especially for criminals and dangerous people, the Social Democrat explained.
The leader of the unionist parliamentary group criticizes the government’s statement
Opposition representative Ralph Brinkhaus criticized the content and style of the government statement. “I do not expect a Federal Chancellor, during his first government statement, to make a fragmentary presentation of the coalition contract, but I do expect him to show the main lines,” the CDU / CSU parliamentary group chairman said. “Progress and the future need enthusiasm. I have not seen that enthusiasm in the last 90 minutes,” Brinkhaus said.
The CDU politician offered to support his parliamentary group in tackling the pandemic – even though these are unpopular measures. But Brinkhaus also stressed that respect and a willingness to cooperate “is not a one-way street”. “A democracy needs strong opposition on an equal footing,” he said. Brinkhaus further reinforced that “there would be no coalition in opposition.” “For various reasons we will not cooperate with the Left and the AfD,” he said.
