Steinmeier agrees in Germany for “rough years” and renunciation Tuberculosis deaths have risen by 14 percent worldwide

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier prepared the people of Germany for a difficult future as a result of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

“Harder years lie ahead, tough years ahead of us,” he said in a keynote speech in Berlin on Friday. “The peace dividend has been used up. For Germany, an era against the wind is beginning.” At the same time, Steinmeier evoked the “resistance spirit” of the Germans.

The country is in its deepest crisis since reunification, Steinmeier said. One must now sharpen one’s view of what is needed in this situation. “Then we don’t have to face this new era with fear or even defenseless.”

In these years, the Federal Republic can build on the power and strength it has developed in recent years, Steinmeier said. The country is economically strong, has good research, strong companies and an efficient state, as well as a large and strong center in society.

The German Federal President stressed that something must be added to these strengths, which have helped Germany so far. “We must be capable of conflict, both internally and externally. We need the will to assert ourselves and also the strength to limit ourselves.” A war mentality is not necessary. “But we need a spirit of resistance and resilience.” In the first place, this includes a strong and well-equipped Bundeswehr. (sda/dpa)