02:27Germany: NYC's De Blasio doubts G20 leaders' ability to solve global issues
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio voiced his 'doubts' that the world leaders could resolve important global issues at the G20 summit, during an address at the Thalia Theatre in Hamburg, Saturday.
Speaking on the second day of the summit in the German port city, De Blasio noted, "I would love to believe they are thinking about the everyday lives of the people they are supposed to represent, and I'd love to believe that they would feel the sense of urgency that they can't leave Hamburg without resolution of important issues. And we will see in the coming hours, but again I have my doubts."
De Blasio went on to say that he had "no such illusion" that national governments "will save the day," before adding that "local governments are actually the ones that will save the day, and I believe the people, the people will demand it of us."
The New York mayor also commented on the US’ recent withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, saying that "we not only need to be bold in addressing climate change but now we have to overcompensate for the actions recently of our national government."
De Blasio recently received criticism after he decided to skip a New York Police Department (NYPD) swearing-in ceremony to fly to Hamburg to join protests surrounding the G20 Summit. Critics state that De Blasio's departure was disrespectful to the NYPD just a day after the killing of Officer Miosotis Familia, who was shot dead while on duty.
02:27New York Mayor Bill de Blasio voiced his 'doubts' that the world leaders could resolve important global issues at the G20 summit, during an address at the Thalia Theatre in Hamburg, Saturday.
Speaking on the second day of the summit in the German port city, De Blasio noted, "I would love to believe they are thinking about the everyday lives of the people they are supposed to represent, and I'd love to believe that they would feel the sense of urgency that they can't leave Hamburg without resolution of important issues. And we will see in the coming hours, but again I have my doubts."
De Blasio went on to say that he had "no such illusion" that national governments "will save the day," before adding that "local governments are actually the ones that will save the day, and I believe the people, the people will demand it of us."
The New York mayor also commented on the US’ recent withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, saying that "we not only need to be bold in addressing climate change but now we have to overcompensate for the actions recently of our national government."
De Blasio recently received criticism after he decided to skip a New York Police Department (NYPD) swearing-in ceremony to fly to Hamburg to join protests surrounding the G20 Summit. Critics state that De Blasio's departure was disrespectful to the NYPD just a day after the killing of Officer Miosotis Familia, who was shot dead while on duty.