Germany celebrates the 35th anniversary of union. Chancellor Merz: Let's dare to a new chapter

In a speech at the main ceremonies of the German Unity Day, the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appealed to his countrymen on the abandonment of pessimism and fears on Friday. “Let's dare to a new chapter,” he called.

Germany celebrates the day of unity for the 35th time. This public holiday commemorates the unification of the country – in 1990 the union countries of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) officially became part of the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany).

On the occasion of Unity Day throughout the country there are festivals, concerts, vernissages, debates as well as masses and ecumenical services. The main state ceremonies take place in Saarbruecken in the Saar country – a city at the border with France. The French President Emmanuel Macron is honorary.

The speech of Merz in Saarbruecken was kept as announced in a positive tone, focused on the future and unity. This is the Chancellor's response to the voices raising among the opposition that he draws too often the pessimistic picture of Germany and political and technological changes.

– After 35 years of German unity and in a difficult time for our country, we should unite and look into the future with confidence and energy – said Merz.

The Chancellor called for “making an effort for new unity in our country.”

– Let's remember this faith in the success with which our countrymen from Eastern Germany approached a breakthrough 35 years ago. A positive spirit can release strength, while pessimism and self -pity is to waste energy – said Merz.

According to Chancellor, “our nation is in the middle of an important, perhaps decisive phase of its recent history.”

In this context, he drew attention to the threats of autocratic countries, the digital revolution and the increasingly popular economic protectionism.

In September, Merz announced “Autumn of Reforms” in the Bundestag. He said that the Germans should prepare for deep changes, which would also affect your guardianship.

On the eve of the ceremony in Saarbrucken, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was criticized for the fact that no one from Eastern Europe or the former GDR was invited to deliver the speech.

According to the new politbarometer for the public sender of ZDF, nine out of 10 respondents consider the unification of Germany to be “basically correct”. At the same time, 47 percent western residents and 57 percent residents of the eastern part of the country estimated that after 35 years many problems remain unresolved.

From Berlin Mateusz Obremski (PAP)

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