NAN-F-18
Campaign
Berlin, Aug. 18, 2017 (dpa/NAN) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that campaigning ahead of the Sept. 24 elections would not be interrupted as a result of a deadly terrorist attack in Barcelona.
After speaking to the leaders of other parties, the Christian Democrat (CDU) leader said they had agreed that events would still take place, albeit with minutes of reflection and no loud music.
In a statement to the press, Merkel condemned the Islamist terrorist attack on Barcelona’s busy Las Ramblas promenade on Thursday, in which 13 people were killed.
She defended the decision to continue campaigning, despite concerns that it might be inappropriate.
“This is a celebration of democracy and with it we are celebrating our freedom.
“The terrorists will not understand that.
“However, we know, precisely in democracy, that in freedom and respect for the individual lay our strengths,” she said.
Merkel, who currently enjoys a commanding lead in the polls, is vying for a fourth term as chancellor in national elections scheduled for Sept. 24. (dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Abdullahi Yusuf