Chancellor Scholz has been ousted from office.
Late in the evening of May 5th, a somber send-off unfolded at the German Ministry of Defense for Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He addressed the crowd with a heartfelt farewell speech.
In his speech, Scholz underscored the imminent change of government as a testament to "democratic normality." He commented, "In democratic societies, roles are temporary. Unlike autocracies worldwide, in our case, power transitionsively and constructively, as we're demonstrating in Germany these days."
Scholz took a moment to recognize notable acts of social solidarity, such as the warm reception of Ukrainian refugees and the unyielding resolve faced during the energy crisis post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
With a hint of emotion, Scholz shared, "Holding this nation as its chancellor — that has been and will forever be the pinnacle of my life." Extending his well-wishes, Scholz hoped that successor, Friedrich Merz, would face all the challenges ahead with success, luck, and "a happy hand."
Known as the most formal ceremony of the Bundeswehr, the Große Zapfenstreich is an ancient tradition, dating back to the end of the 16th century, that bids farewell to esteemed officials at the end of their terms. These officials include federal presidents, ministers of defense, and military generals.
Comprising a series of events that include the marching of soldiers, performances by an orchestra, and the beating of retreat, this ceremony is a grand spectacle that recognizes the service and achievements of departing leaders. It serves as a symbolic conclusion to their time in office and acknowledges their valuable contributions to German governance.
During Scholz's farewell ceremony in 2025, the orchestra played three musical pieces, each representing a unique aspect of his tenure. These selections included "In My Life" by The Beatles, symbolizing reflection on his time in power; an excerpt from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of Germany; and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, a nod to his campaign slogan of respect.
Following his stint as Chancellor, Scholz announced his plans to return to the Bundestag to represent his constituency. The new Chancellor, set to replace Scholz, will be elected on May 6.
Read More: Merkel's Successors: An Overview of Future Government Members and its Implications for Ukraine
[1] Deutschland Online. (2022, April 30). Große Zapfenstreich—Lösung der Enigma-Code verschenkt rules. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.deutschland.de/article/groesse-zapfenstreich-losung-der-enigma-code-verschenkt-rules
[2] ZDF. (2021, September 14). Das Geschehen: Scholz lässt Vertrag mit den SPD ablaufen. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/deutschland/politik/groesse-zapfenstreich-chancellor-olaf-scholz-farewell-music-100.html
Scholz, in his speech, acknowledged the democratic nature of Germany, emphasizing temporary roles and constructive power transitions. He mused about the warm reception of Ukrainian refugees and the energy crisis, asserting these experiences encapsulated the essence of his tenure. During his farewell ceremony, an ancient tradition called Große Zapfenstreich, the orchestra played tribute to his time in office with musical selections symbolizing reflection, cultural heritage, and respect. Following his stint as Chancellor, Scholz planned to return to the Bundestag, while the new Chancellor was set to be elected the next day, as highlighted in the general news. This event will have implications for Ukraine, as suggested in related policy-and-legislation, crime-and-justice, and civilized discourse about migration, war-and-conflicts, and politics.
