Merkel: Germany Faces Difficult Times in 2021

In her traditional New Year's address to the nation, German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not attempt to sugarcoat the challenges that the country will face in 2021.

Merkel stated that the people will need to keep up their discipline in fighting the coronavirus pandemic well into 2021, even as vaccinations fuel new hope.

She added that facing the pandemic was and remains a political, social, and economic task of the century.

The chancellor noted: "Engaging in this historic feat has demanded and continues to demand tremendous confidence and patience of you. I thank you whole-heartedly for that,”.

She stated in Thursday’s message that this was most likely the last time that she will speak as chancellor in a new year address.

Merkel continued: “I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that never in the last 15 years have all of us found the old year so difficult — and never have we looked forward to the new year with so much hope, despite all our worries and some skepticism.”

The country has recorded well over 1.6 million cases so far, including more than 32,000 deaths. Germany is entering 2021 under a partial lockdown until January 10, with most shops closed.

New Year's Eve celebrations will be muted, with a ban on the sale of fireworks and tight restrictions on the number of people who can gather in public.

Merkel stated that society must not forget how many people have lost a loved one without being able to be close to them in their final hours.

The chancellor added that she can only imagine how bitter it must feel for survivors who are mourning or fighting coronavirus's aftereffects when the virus is contested and denied by few people.

She denounced the conspiracy theories advanced by virus skeptics as not just false and dangerous but cynical and cruel towards those who had suffered during the pandemic.

"These days and these weeks ... are difficult times for our country, and that is going to last for a good while yet," Merkel warned.

"Winter remains difficult. The challenges that the pandemic pose remains immense," she added.

Merkel noted that she is constantly grateful for how disciplined and considerate most people are in respecting anti-virus rules, wearing masks, and keeping their distance from others.

“This attitude among millions of our fellow citizens has spared us some things on our way through the pandemic so far. It will also be necessary in the coming year.” She added.