Merkel calls for dedication, togetherness in New Year's speech

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for commitment, dedication and togetherness of German people in the year ahead in her annual New Year's address. The chancellor praised the helpfulness and courage her fellow citizens demonstrated in dealing with the flooding in early summer which had caused massive damage across the country. She called on German people to carry forward commitment, dedication and togetherness in 2014 and to take a lead in achieving success for the nation. "What every one of us accomplishes individually on a small scale, that affects our country at large," Merkel said. In the first turn-of-year address of her third administration, the chancellor focused on traditional values such as fiscal responsibility and family unit. "In order to keep Germany strong in the future, it is particularly important to ensure that we hand on our finances in good order to the next generation," Merkel noted. The German government, she added, sees families at the "heart of society" and is willing to provide "the best possible education for children and young people." In addition, Germany's energy transition and employment situation were also viewed as key responsibilities. Merkel also noted the importance of Europe in Germany's success. "Progress in our country is dependent upon progress in Europe and a permanent solution to the European sovereign debt crisis," she said.