Photo: Thomas Koehler / bundesfinanzministerium.de
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered his last speech in office, recalling his country’s responsibility for the crimes of World War II and calling for unwavering support for peace in Europe, particularly in the face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This was reported by DW.
The address was made on 3 May at a ceremony commemorating the liberation of Nazi concentration camps at the Neuengamme memorial near Hamburg, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.
“One of the main lessons from that war is the conviction that Europeans must put war between nations in the past once and for all,” Scholz said.
He emphasised that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin had “brought war to Europe again”, but stressed: “We must not and will not accept this.”
The politician called for the protection of Europe as a symbol of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, which is “a counterweight to the horrors of war”. He also warned that autocrats, populists and extremists are trying to destroy this peaceful unity of the continent, even in Europe itself.
This speech was an emotional conclusion to Scholz’s three-year chancellorship, as he hands over power to Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative CDU/CSU bloc.
A coalition agreement is expected to be signed on 5 May, and the Bundestag will officially elect a new chancellor on 6 May.
