Germany’s president will today make a plea for the country’s unity and cohesion, which has fueled far-right rhetoric amid election campaigning for February’s snap parliamentary elections.
In his traditional Christmas speech, Steinmeier will refer to the “shadow” cast over the Christmas season by Friday night’s attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, northeastern Germany, which killed five people and injured more than 200. .
“Many will have a heavy heart this Christmas season. Many will be upset, worried, maybe even scared. All of these feelings are understandable. But they must not overwhelm us, paralyze us,” the German president will add, according to the text of his speech to be broadcast on state television.
The alleged attacker is a 50-year-old Saudi man, Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, who was arrested on Friday night. A psychiatrist by profession, he worked in a clinic near Magdeburg.
A mysterious figure, very active on social media, he has expressed views hostile to Islam and his anger at German immigration workers. At the same time, he has adopted far-right conspiracy theories about the “Islamization” of Europe.
“Hate and violence must not have the last word. Let us not allow them to divide us. Let’s stay united,” Steinmeier will emphasize.
“Cohesion, when necessary, is what characterizes our country. Let’s show her off now,” he will add.
Although the attacker’s motive is still unclear, it has brought immigration and security issues back to the fore amid election campaigning for early parliamentary elections on February 23.
SOURCE: APE-ME
