Germany: Pandemic and Ukrainian crisis the main themes of Solz’s first speech in the Bundesrat

Pandemic management and the Ukrainian crisis were the main topics of Olaf Soltz’s first speech as Chancellor earlier today in the Federal Council (Bundesrat). Ahead of his February 16 meeting with the state prime ministers, Soltz hinted that scientific evidence would allow “a first step towards opening up”, while just days before his visit to Kiev (February 14) and in Moscow (15 February) reiterated that in the event of a military invasion of Ukraine, Russia “would suffer serious consequences”.

“Scientific predictions show that the current wave of pandemics is nearing its peak, which allows for a first step towards opening up, and we can also look at the prospect of further steps for spring,” said Olaf Soltz of the Bundesrat. however to give more details. He emphasized the need to focus on climate change, and said that it was even more important now with the crisis over oil prices. Regarding the development of the pandemic, the Chancellor again advocated the mandatory vaccination, warning of the possibility of a new outbreak in the fall.

Speaking about the crisis on the border with Ukraine, Olaf Solz stressed once again that Russia should expect serious consequences if it launches a military attack on Ukraine. “It’s important that we send a clear message to Russia that any military strike would have a very high cost for itself,” he said. for dialogue “. Mr. Solz made special mention of the efforts of the Normandy Group (Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine) to promote a diplomatic solution. At this juncture, as he pointed out, the importance of transatlantic relations and of course the importance of the cohesion of the European Union was highlighted again.