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On the evening of May 5, a formal farewell ceremony for Chancellor Olaf Scholz was held at the German Ministry of Defense, where he delivered a farewell speech.
This was reported by Tagesschau.
In his address, Scholz described the upcoming change of government as “an expression of democratic normality.”
“In a democracy, offices are always granted only for a limited period. And this is what distinguishes us from autocracies around the world,” he emphasized during the military ceremony, where the Bundeswehr honored him ahead of the official handover of power to his successor, Friedrich Merz.
According to Scholz, “in our times, it is by no means the norm for such a transition to take place as civilly, collegially, and with dignity as we are witnessing here in Germany these days.”
He recalled the strong sense of social solidarity shown during his term — during the coronavirus pandemic, in welcoming Ukrainian refugees, and during the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Serving this Germany as its Chancellor has been, and remains, the honor of my life,” Scholz said.
He also wished Merz “much success, good fortune, and a sure hand” in tackling the tasks and challenges ahead.
The ceremony, known as the Große Zapfenstreich (“Grand Tattoo”), is the most solemn ceremony of the Bundeswehr, traditionally held to honor distinguished officials at the conclusion of their service.
The ritual, used to bid farewell to German federal presidents, defense ministers, and generals, dates back to the late 16th century.
The Große Zapfenstreich follows a set sequence: a soldiers’ march and formation, the performance of three musical pieces (chosen by the honoree), the tapping sequence by military drummers, the national anthem, and a final march.
During the farewell, the orchestra played “In My Life” by The Beatles, as Scholz once served as mayor of Hamburg, the city where the British band performed extensively.
He also selected a piece from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, as he resides in Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg.
Additionally, Scholz chose Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”, as the word featured prominently in his 2021 election campaign slogans.
Earlier, it was reported that Scholz plans to focus on his role as a Bundestag member representing his electoral district after his term as Chancellor ends.
The parliamentary vote to elect the new Chancellor, who will replace Scholz, is scheduled for May 6.
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