Merkel describes conspiracy theorists as a danger to society

Merkel discusses Corona with students and attacks conspiracy theorists

Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has described the careless behavior in view of the current spread of Corona as devastating to society. Some people would take advantage of any loopholes that politics has not addressed, Merkel said Tuesday in an online conversation with students in Berlin.

“That is not so good for the cohesion of society either.” Some defied the risk. This is “devastating”.

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The Chancellor regretted that the willingness to accept restrictions has decreased compared to the spring. At least 400 people would die from Covid-19 per day.

Some made sure that this mainly affects the elderly. Merkel warned that the following be taken into account: “It is important that my parents die at 80 or 90.”

Merkel: Crown restrictions serve to protect vulnerable groups

The Chancellor declared: “The second waves of pandemics are usually the most dangerous.” Now, in winter, the situation is much more difficult. Merkel urged people in Germany to be aware of the seriousness of the situation.

He recalled that the restrictions in the corona pandemic serve to protect vulnerable groups. People in the risk group should not be excluded from society so that “we can go shopping” and follow the usual rhythm of life without being disturbed.

Of course, people with previous illnesses and the elderly should be more protected than others. But that doesn’t mean locking them up or telling them to stay “nice and at home.” “Ultimately, the arc from birth to death is one that society must take seriously,” he said. It is important to take a clear stance.

Merkel: conspiracy theories are an attack on society

She called for a constant fight against so-called conspiracy theories in Germany. “That is basically an attack on our entire way of life,” Merkel said. “Since the Enlightenment, Europe has followed the path of, so to speak, obtaining a fact-based worldview. And if a worldview is suddenly detached or anti-factual, then that is, of course, very difficult to reconcile with our entire way of life. “

Merkel said: “The usual discussion does not help, so it is a special challenge for us.” The Chancellor said: “That can also be a job for psychologists.” The question needs to be investigated: “How can we say goodbye to the world of facts and enter a world that speaks a different language, so to speak, and which we cannot even reach with our language based on facts?” There is “a real refusal to argue” among followers of such thought patterns.

“However, we are a tolerant country,” Merkel said. These people are also your citizens. But it will be very difficult to bring them back to the world of mutual listening. This also includes a greater understanding of the role of social media. Here are rooms in which only those affected are confirmed. He doesn’t have a perfect answer, but politicians are very concerned about the problem.

(hau / dpa)