Merkel Urges Unity in Biggest Challenge Since World War II
- Fight to contain coronavirus is historic, and outcome is open
- Chancellor makes rare national TV address to rally Germans
Angela Merkel arrives for the weekly government cabinet meeting on March 18.
Photographer: Henning Schacht/Pool/Getty Images
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Chancellor Angela Merkel used a rare television address to urge Germans to abide by restrictions bringing social life to a standstill, calling the coronavirus pandemic the country’s greatest challenge since World War II.
“This is serious -- and you need to take it seriously,” Merkel said in a somber tone during a speech delivered to the nation on Wednesday evening. “There has been no such challenge to our country since German reunification – no, since World War II – that relies so much on our joint action in solidarity.”