“The state is all of us”

Federal Chancellor Merz combined his speech on the 35th anniversary of the Day of German Unity - which was also attended by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French President Emmanuel Macron and Minister of the Federal State of Saarland President Anke Rehlinger - with a grateful look at what has been achieved and a resolute call for a confident outlook for the future.

The goals for Germany's future include strengthening liberal democracy, defending the rule of law, returning to economic strength and combining this with social responsibility, as well as firmly anchoring Germany in Europe.

Read the key points of the speech in brief here:

• German unity remains a task - even 35 years after reunification: The Federal Chancellor made it clear that while looking at the past remains important, the focus must be placed more emphatically on the present and the future. German unity is not a completed process, but an ongoing task that requires new forms of cohesion today.
• Democracy and cohesion require commitment from society as a whole: politics and institutions alone cannot guarantee social stability. The Federal Chancellor urged people not to shift responsibility onto others, but to assume it in their everyday lives - through open dialogue, respect for different opinions and active participation in the community. When we hear people discussing and arguing, that's when we hear democracy, noted the Federal Chancellor.
• Shaping the future with confidence and seeing change as an opportunity: in the face of crises and global challenges, the Federal Chancellor pleaded for greater courage and the will to shape the future. Instead of allowing itself to be paralysed by uncertainty, Germany should draw on its own strength. This strength includes economic performance, social solidarity and anchoring in Europe. So let us dare to make such changes. Let us not be paralysed by fear. Let us dare to make a new beginning.

Read the entire speech here:

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