Scholz delivers final speech as Chancellor: His message on Ukraine
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Olaf Scholz, who is stepping down as Germany's Chancellor, delivered his final speech. He linked his address to Russia's war against Ukraine, DW informs.
Scholz made his speech on May 3 during a commemoration ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe and the liberation of concentration camps at the Neuengamme Memorial in Hamburg.
He emphasized that Germany bears a special responsibility due to its history.
"One of the most important lessons from the war unleashed by the Germans, from the Nazi regime of terror, from the murder of millions of innocent women, children, and men, is our deep conviction that our continent, we, Europeans, must once and for all leave wars between our peoples in the past," said the politician.
Scholz noted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin "has once again brought war to Europe" and emphasized that "we must not and will not tolerate this."
In Scholz's view, Europe represents freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and is "the antidote to the bloody horrors of war," so it is incompatible with military imperialism and the disregard for international law.
"It is no surprise that autocrats, extremists, and populists around the world, including in our own countries, are attacking and seeking to destroy this peaceful and united Europe," stated Scholz.
New Chancellor of Germany
It is worth recalling that elections were held in Germany this year, in which the conservative bloc of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) led by Friedrich Merz emerged victorious.
Tomorrow, May 5, a coalition agreement will be signed between the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and CDU/CSU. It is expected that the following day, Merz will be elected as the new Chancellor of Germany in the Bundestag.
Find out more about Merz and his stance on Ukraine in our article.
