Merkel: "Anyone Can Book Vaccination Within Weeks... Germany's 'Social Cooperation Model' Proven Effective"

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced, "Within the next few weeks, and at the latest from June, anyone will be able to make reservations for the COVID-19 vaccination."

On May 1st (local time), marking Labor Day, Chancellor Merkel stated in a public podcast, "The pandemic has once again clearly shown how important each individual's labor is for the functioning of society as a whole," and expressed, "I sincerely thank all workers for their daily labor."

She continued, "I also thank the works councils and labor unions who strive for good working conditions and fair wages," emphasizing, "Just like during the last financial crisis, Germany's model of social partnership has proven its effectiveness during these difficult times."

Chancellor Merkel said, "Despite the tough quarantine measures to stop the third wave, the daily progress of the vaccination campaign gives reason for optimism," and forecasted, "Within weeks or at the latest from June, everyone will be able to make reservations for vaccination." She also added, "I once again thank you for your efforts, solidarity, and patience during one of the hardest times Germany has experienced in recent generations."

She stated, "Last year, our economy suffered great losses due to the pandemic, and as a result, unemployment has risen again after a long period," adding, "Every lost job is painful and terrible for those affected."

Furthermore, "The German government has invested billions of euros to increase and extend short-time work benefits," emphasizing, "If millions had not been on short-time work through this support, unemployment would have surged even more, so this was money well spent."

Additionally, "This support allows companies to maintain employment, and if the economy returns to the recovery path as expected within this year, companies will be able to quickly accelerate again," she added.

Meanwhile, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany, as of April 30th, 26.9% of the population, or 22,395,289 people, have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 7.7%, or 6,381,397 people, have completed their second dose.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.