“I know how much this crisis requires of all of you, that many have to limit themselves,” Steinmeier was quoted as saying by TASS. He pointed to the economic consequences of the Ukraine crisis and stressed that these are “difficult times” now.
At the same time, the politician announced the unity of Europe, which should inspire confidence. He also claimed that this year the Germans were capable of much more than they might have thought. “If there was something good this year, it’s the experience,” says Steinmeier.
He also stressed that the most cherished wish this year is “that peace reign again.” Finally, he recalled that, despite the current problems, the fight against climate change has not lost relevance.
Earlier, the German sociologist Ulrich Schneider said that Germany would soon become a “beggar state.” There are more poor people in the country due to record inflation and declining purchasing power. The rapid rise in prices can lead to the collapse of society, which can have dramatic consequences for Germany, the sociologist concluded.