Hamburg, December 24 – Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) addressed the citizens of Hamburg in his annual Christmas message, emphasizing the city’s strong sense of community and the collective effort required to tackle contemporary challenges. The speech, recorded in the Michel and published on Christmas Eve across the Senate’s online channels, underscored the importance of peace, mutual respect, and the dedication of volunteers. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Weihnachtsansprache-Tschentscher-ruft-zu-Frieden-auf,weihnachten2574.html)
Emphasis on Community and Diversity
Tschentscher highlighted Hamburg’s diverse population, noting that over 180 nationalities coexist peacefully within the city. He stated that this “good coexistence is important in a city that is diverse and strong because of it, and in which we collectively face the great tasks of our time.” These tasks include maintaining a robust economy, ensuring livable pensions, and accelerating climate protection in an affordable manner, as mandated by a recent public referendum. He stressed that peace begins with mutual respect for the life, culture, and beliefs of others, values he considers fundamental to Hamburg’s society. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Weihnachtsansprache-Tschentscher-ruft-zu-Frieden-auf,weihnachten2574.html)
Climate Action and Economic Stability
The Mayor reiterated Hamburg’s commitment to becoming climate-neutral, acknowledging that the public referendum calls for an even faster pace than initially planned. While the original target for climate neutrality was 2045, the referendum now aims for 2040. Tschentscher confirmed that the city is exploring additional meaningful measures to expedite this process while ensuring social compatibility. He emphasized the need for federal support in sectors like transport and buildings to promote e-mobility and improved heating technologies such as heat pumps and district heating. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/tschentscher-klimaneutralitaet-muss-sozial-vertraeglich-sein,tschentscher-172.html)
Gratitude for Essential Workers and Volunteers
Both Mayor Tschentscher and Second Mayor Katharina Fegebank (Greens) expressed their gratitude to the individuals who work tirelessly during the holiday season to keep Hamburg running. This includes personnel in the police, fire department, hospitals, and various other essential services. Tschentscher also specifically thanked volunteers for their dedication to democracy, public welfare, and social cohesion in Hamburg. His message concluded with well wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Weihnachtsansprache-Tschentscher-ruft-zu-Frieden-auf,weihnachten2574.html)
Federal and Regional Perspectives
The Mayor’s message comes amidst broader calls for peace and resilience from other German political figures. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his own Christmas address, urged the German populace to find hope amidst darkness and to be courageous. Similarly, Minister-President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern emphasized the importance of respect and cohesion, particularly in light of recent events. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Weihnachtsansprache-Tschentscher-ruft-zu-Frieden-auf,weihnachten2574.html)
Future Developments and Challenges
In a recent year-end interview, Tschentscher also touched upon other key topics for Hamburg, including the Elbtower project and the city’s potential bid for the Olympic Games. He defended the decision to house the Natural History Museum in the Elbtower, citing it as the most economically viable and professionally sound option. Regarding the Olympics, he expressed a desire to leverage the opportunity for urban development, stressing that a referendum would be crucial to secure public support for such a significant future project. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/tschentscher-klimaneutralitaet-muss-sozial-vertraeglich-sein,tschentscher-172.html)
The city’s commitment to social well-being extends to education, with Tschentscher advocating for a nuanced approach to mobile phone use in schools, recommending bans for younger students while allowing more flexibility for older ones. He also highlighted significant investments in urban infrastructure, including the construction of the new Köhlbrand Bridge and the expansion of the port, underscoring the city’s continuous efforts to modernize and adapt to future demands. [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Regierungserklaerung-in-Hamburg-Tschentscher-skizziert-Leitlinien,regierungserklaerung274.html)
Source: [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/weihnachtsansprache-tschentscher-appelliert-an-zusammenhalt,weihnachten-532.html)
