Angela Merkel said in her last New Year’s address to the nation as German chancellor that 2020 was by far the most difficult of her 15-year leadership, yet the start of vaccinations against COVID-19 made 2021 a year of hope, writes Reuters.

“Let me tell you something personal in conclusion: in nine months a parliamentary election will take place and I won’t be running again. Today is therefore in all likelihood the last time I am able to deliver a New Year’s address to you.

I think I am not exaggerating when I say: never in the last 15 years have we found the old year so heavy and never have we, despite all the worries and some scepticism, looked forward to the new one with so much hope.

I can only imagine how bitter it must feel for those mourning loved ones lost to corona or who are having to fight against the repercussions of an illness when the virus is disputed and denied by some hopeless individuals. Conspiracy theories are not only false and dangerous, they are also cynical and cruel. I will also get vaccinated when my turn comes”, - said Angela Merkel.