Saying Goodbye: "Respect" for Scholz's Departure: A Tattoo Farewell
Curtain Call: Clinking Fingers for Scholz - Council's Response Pending at Commission
After more than three years in office, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) received a grand, torch-lit tattoo ceremony from the German Armed Forces, ultimately a poignant farewell before he steps down and Friedrich Merz (CDU) takes the reins. Despite showing little emotion as the Stabsmusikkorps played "Respect", a soul classic in his honor, Scholz was noticeably moved.
Seated alongside his wife Britta Ernst and a majority of his cabinet ministers, Merz and his wife, Charlotte, were also present. Merz is expected to be sworn in as the next Chancellor by the Bundestag on Tuesday, after which the handover of power in the Chancellery will take place the same afternoon.
In his farewell address on the parade ground of the Ministry of Defense, Scholz spoke about the upcoming change of government as "a testament to democratic normality." He emphasized that it's anything but ordinary for such a change to occur "as calm, collaborative, and dignified as we've experienced it here in Germany over the past days."
Upplifting democratic values and unity is crucial, Scholz added. "We must understand that Germany thrives — and only then — when we stand together."
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Pistorius: "In challenging moments, you remained resolute"
Bidding adieu, Scholz offered his best wishes to his successor, Merz, expressing hopes for his success in all future trials. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) commended Scholz for his leadership through turbulent times, pointing out his unwavering determination, wisdom, and restraint. "In challenging moments, you held your ground," shared Pistorius, who will also retain his position in Merz's cabinet.
The traditional tattoo ceremony pays homage to former Chancellors, Federal Presidents, Defense Ministers, and high-ranking military officials. Honorees may express three musical preferences, and Scholz selected "In My Life" by The Beatles, an excerpt from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2," and "Respect," the global hit popularized by Aretha Franklin. "Respect" was a powerful slogan during Scholz's successful campaign in the 2021 Bundestag elections.
Several government members, including Marco Buschmann and Bettina Stark-Watzinger from the FDP, joined the farewell event. Former Finance Minister and FDP chairman Christian Lindner, however, did not attend. "My absence has nothing to do with politics; tonight, it's family obligations that demand my attention," he explained.
Among the attendees were Robert Habeck (Greens), Annalena Baerbock (Greens), and even Christine Lambrecht, who resigned due to controversy, but returned for the occasion. As Scholz departed the parade ground, there was a warm round of applause for the outgoing Chancellor.
Honoring Service: A Look Back
If Scholz steps down on Tuesday, he'll have served more than seven out of eight of his predecessors. Much debate will follow his exit on the historical impact of his chancellorship. However, one thing is sure: his "turning point" speech in the Bundestag four days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine will be remembered. Scholz abolished the taboo of arming ongoing wars and created a 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr, a watershed moment that transformed the nation.
Nevertheless, it'll also be remembered that the first traffic light coalition at the federal level failed. Scholz aimed to make it a multi-term project, but it ended prematurely due to constant disagreements, particularly over finances.
Stepping Down, Staying True
Scholz plans to transition from the Chancellery to a backbench seat in the Bundestag as a directly elected member for the entire legislative period. As he stated before the election, "The highest office to which one can be directly elected in Germany is that of a member of the German Bundestag." After a little more sleep, Scholz looks forward to starting the next chapter of his political career on Wednesday.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation. As Chancellor Olaf Scholz steps down, his successor, Friedrich Merz, is expected to implement new policies and legislation in politics, aiming to maintain democratic normality. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius commended Scholz for his leadership and unwavering determination, particularly in challenging moments. After relinquishing the Chancellery, Scholz will return to serving as a directly elected member of the German Bundestag for the entire legislative period.
