The new German Chancellor, Olaf Solz, presented today in Parliament the goals of the governing coalition. At the beginning of the government announcements he referred to the treatment of the coronavirus pandemic. The fight against the virus is an immediate priority for the government and will be carried out with “great determination”, Mr Solz said. He also stressed the great importance of vaccination, while expressing a lack of understanding for those who refuse to be vaccinated. The government’s goal, however, is to have 30 million doses of the vaccine by the end of the year. There have been 18 million vaccinations since mid-November.
Olaf Solz’s references to foreign policy were characterized by a spirit of continuity. While assuring that co-operation with European partners and the US would be stable and credible, he made it clear that, as in the past, “Europe’s success is the most important national affair” of Germany and that his government would not take any initiative in the EU without consultation with France. Underscoring the differences with Poland, he said that in terms of implementing the values ​​that govern the EU, Germany will be on the side of the Commission. He also promised to increase German defense spending. In the event of tensions on Ukraine’s borders, Mr Soltz warned Russia that any breach of national integrity would come at a “high price”.
Climate neutrality and digitization
Referring to domestic policy, he pointed out that his government will be a government of progress. Climate protection and digitization in the country are the two major challenges. Germany has been at the beginning of the “biggest transformation” of industry and economy for 100 years. The next decade will be a “decade of innovation”. The necessary investments will be made above all by the private sector. For investment in climate neutrality and digitization, the chancellor promised attractive tax breaks. And the bureaucratic procedures for business licenses will be accelerated. At the same time, Mr. Soltz announced that his government will intensify controls to eliminate tax evasion. One of the measures will be to ban the purchase of real estate in cash.
The chancellor described the far-right extremism as the biggest threat to the German Republic. He assured that the government will fight him with “all its forces” as well as that it will financially support civil society initiatives against the far right. Mr Soltz also announced a change to the naturalization law. In the future, immigrants will be entitled to German citizenship after five years of residence (eight years so far), while the right to multiple citizenship will be established.
Olaf Solz did not fail to mention his predecessor, Angela Merkel, whom he praised for 16 years of governing the country “without flattery and whimsy”, as well as for the “exemplary” way in which he handled the transition from the old to the new. new government.
Panagiotis Kouparanis, Berlin
Source: Deutsche Welle
.
Source From: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
