The former chancellor speaks publicly for the first time since her withdrawal from power
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has strongly condemned Russia’s “barbaric offensive war” against Ukraine and emphasized the country’s right to defend itself. After standing still for months, practically since she handed over power to Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, and in her first public speech in six months, the former head of the German government emphasized that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a “deep rift”. is of the order of European peace. “My solidarity is for Ukraine, attacked and invaded by Russia, and my support for its right to defend itself,” Merkel said at a celebratory event of the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB) in Berlin last night.
The massive invasion of Russian troops into Ukrainian territory is a “blatant violation” of international law, the largest in Europe’s history since World War II, the conservative politician said. Merkel expressed her strong support for the efforts of the federal government, the United States, NATO, the G7 and the United Nations to “stand up against this barbaric Russian offensive war”. No one can seriously estimate the wide-ranging effects of this armed conflict, noted the veteran statesman, warning that they will be felt no matter what, especially for Ukrainian men and women.
He also condemned the systematic violations of human rights and stressed that “Bucha represents horror”, referring to the city on the outskirts of Kiev where part of the population was massacred by Russian troops before withdrawing. “In this unending sadness” the strong support for the Ukrainian people by many of its neighbors, such as Poland and Moldova, is a great ray of hope, emphasized Angela Merkel, who withdrew from active politics last December after more than 16 years. to the head of the executive branch in Berlin, assuring that he has since avoided political comments or judgments “from the edge of the field”.
“We should never take peace and freedom for granted,” warned the former chancellor, emphasizing that in the current situation it is vital that the European Union is cohesive and calling on German citizens to do their part for the unity of Europe . Merkel’s intervention took place in front of 200 guests at the farewell ceremony of the outgoing chairman of the DGB, Reiner Hoffmann. During her more than three-decade reign, the Christian Democratic politician was one of the world leaders who had the closest contact with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, whom she did not mention once in her speech. Nor did he refer to criticism of him for his conciliatory attitude towards Moscow during his long tenure.
Source: La Verdad
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