Federal Chancellor, in a democracy some days are somewhat more exciting than the public would expect. Therefore, and a little later than planned, I warmly congratulate you once more on your election.

Federal Ministers, I would also like to sincerely congratulate you on your appointment.

Together, you are assuming great responsibility – for our country, for our citizens, for our future. And that is the title of your coalition agreement: Responsibility for Germany.

You are joining forces today as the new Federal Government and you do so at a difficult time. A time when peace, freedom and democracy are being assailed simultaneously from many sides. A time when much of what we regarded as stable and secure is being called into question, undermined or even openly attacked. A time when we need new growth for our economy, new confidence in our democracy, new resilience both within and in the world at large, as well as new diplomatic efforts.

The expectations placed in our country are considerable: as an economic anchor and engine, as the voice of reason, as a partner in Europe and in the world. And all these expectations will not fulfill themselves. They mean work – much work for the new Government.

You are aware of the magnitude of the challenge. You have the confidence to take on the responsibility of government at this difficult time, and to make things better. That is honourable and it requires courage. I hope that both you and our country retain this courage, especially when the road gets bumpy and obstacles arise, when compromises are difficult, when the going gets tough.

I firmly believe that, at this time, it is crucial to focus on our own strengths and take bold action – wherever our country can and must become better, more effective, better equipped to face the future. At this time, it is crucial that citizens can be confident and see first-hand that the democratic state is capable of action and can solve problems, that it can find new answers where the old ones no longer work. Democracy as a form of government is legitimised not only by the freedom it guarantees, but also by how successfully it protects and strengthens the prosperity and well-being of its citizens.

If this Government is to be successful, then the women and men standing here today have an especially important role to play in bringing about that success. But not only they! If we are to overcome crises, if we want a fresh start, then success will depend not only on the Government but also on our citizens. It is up to all of us to make a difference! Whether a fresh start succeeds also hinges on whether we remain despondent and self-doubting, conjuring up a supposedly better past, or whether we look to the future with self-confidence and optimism and see the opportunities that we undoubtedly have.

I am certain it would be good for our country as a whole if we complained less about what we lack and talked more about what we are good at. Where our strengths lie. How much we achieve when we tackle challenges together. Perhaps the threats, the turbulences of our age all around us will bring us a little closer together in all our diversity, but with the shared interest at heart that this country remains strong, just and free, peaceful and globally minded and economically successful.

The political responsibility you are assuming is considerable. You deserve our thanks, our respect and, above all else, you deserve fairness towards yourselves and your decisions. I want to make very clear that it is in our country’s interest that you succeed. I wish you courage and judiciousness, patience when debating the issues of the day, determination when taking action, clarity of purpose and a constant awareness of what unites us all: responsibility for democracy and the welfare of those in whose name you act.

I wish you, Federal Chancellor, and all of you, Federal Ministers, a sure hand for the benefit of our country.

Thank you very much and bon courage!