Steinmeier's Christmas message: 'What is the meaning of freedom?'

In his Christmas TV message, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier looked back at the year, and picked out some of the highs and lows - and put his finger on some difficult questions.

2021 has been an exhausting year for Germany.

On the political stage, the Merkel era ended, and September's general election marked a turning point. The President's Christmas message praised the democratic handover of power in what he called "an atmosphere of mutual respect."

But it was also the year when the Taliban swept to power across Afghanistan - bringing post-war Germany's largest overseas military operation to an end. Western forces pulled back and the Bundeswehr flew home. To many it looked like failure. Steinmeier acknowledged that, as well as other clouds on the international horizon.

But the president's message - as is traditional - was also one of hope. He praised the solidarity people showed during the severe summer floods in Germany - especially the volunteers who helped with the clean-up - who gave money and time so the rebuilding could begin.

As the year ends, the COVID-19 crisis still looms over national life. Protests against government rules have flared up across Germany. But Steinmeier said that even from the pandemic, positive lessons can be learned.

In his address, the President even posed a philosophical question: What is freedom? He suggested it sometimes means accepting restrictions in order to help others.

That notion of solidarity and sacrifice may be needed still, in the year ahead.

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