German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned in his Christmas address against the fragmentation of society after the Magdeburg attack.
“For many, the heart will be heavy this Christmas” the head of state said. “Many will be agitated, insecure, and perhaps even afraid. All these feelings are understandable. But they must not dominate us, and they must not paralyze us.” His most urgent wish is that this does not happen. “Hate and violence must not have the last word. Let us not tear ourselves apart, let us stand together” Steinmeier said. At this moment, it is particularly important to show unity.
In his address, the President also addressed the current political crisis. It is “not the end of the world” that the government has come to an end prematurely, but “a case for which this basic law has made provision” Steinmeier said. “The decision on the dissolution of the Bundestag and on new elections will be made with care after the Christmas holidays” he confirmed, without giving a specific date.