Bid Adieu to Olaf Scholz: A Graceful Farewell Tattoo
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Farewell Honors Paid to Scholz - Council's Response Pending at Commission's Request
After nearly 41 months in the hot seat, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) said goodbye to his role with a grand farewell ceremony by the German Armed Forces, all while maintaining his signature stoic composure. Despite the Staff Music Corps performing a touching rendition of "Respect" for him, Scholz remained emotionally unresponsive until the song's end.
Joined on the tribune by his wife Britta Ernst, most of his cabinet ministers, and Friedrich Merz, his designated successor, Scholz delivered a heartfelt speech, praising the upcoming democratic transition as a reflection of "normalcy." He emphasized the importance of upholding this decorum, stating, "It's precious and vital for Germany’s strength, which lies in our unity."
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Pistorius: "With determination and wisdom, you steered us through"
Remarking on the transition, Scholz commended the outgoing Chancellor as a "statesman" who steered the nation through turbulent waters with courage, wisdom, and restraint. "In challenging times, you stood firm," lauded Pistorius, the sole federal minister who will continue serving in Merz's government.
A Military Ceremony to Remember
The tattoo ritual traditionally pays tribute to the departing Chancellors, Defense Ministers, high-ranking military personnel, and heads of state. As the honoree, Scholz selected three pieces of music: "In My Life" by the Beatles, an excerpt from Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2," and "Respect," which gained international fame through Aretha Franklin's rendition.
Lindner's Absence: Personal Responsibilities
Despite Scholz's coalition allies returning to the Ministry of Defense's parade ground for the farewell ceremony, the former FDP Minister Christian Lindner, who was dismissed during the contentious traffic light dispute over the budget, could not attend. Lindner explained his absence through a message on X, citing paternal duties as the reason.
A Mixed Legacy
While some historians will argue over the relevance of Scholz's chancellorship, one event is certain to be remembered - his "turning point" speech in the Bundestag shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Scholz shattered the long-standing taboo of arming nations involved in conflict by allocating a historic 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr, altering the nation's course significantly.
However, his tenure also witnessed the first failure of a traffic light coalition at the federal level, a coalition Scholz aimed to make a long-term project, but which collapsed before its third anniversary due to relentless disputes, particularly over finance.
From Power to the Backbenches
With Merz in the Chancellery, Scholz will step down to become a regular member of the German Bundestag, serving until the end of the legislative period, as he each pledged before the election. Scholz had expressed his desire for more free time, stating on a Zeit podcast, "I'd like to sleep in more often." From tomorrow onwards, he can finally indulge in those additional zzz's.
Duration
If Scholz relinquishes the Chancellorship tomorrow, he will have served longer than two of his eight predecessors, Ludwig Erhard (1963-1966) and Kurt Georg Kiesinger (1966-1969). Erhard and Kiesinger, who both served shorter terms, still stand among the list of past German Chancellors.
- The Commission, similarly, has also taken a number of steps to ensure that the Commission's proposals are implemented in a way that is consistent with the objectives of the common agricultural policy.
- Among the heads of state honored in the tattoo ritual were the chancellors, defense ministers, and high-ranking military personnel, the latest being Olaf Scholz.
- As chancellor, Scholz handed over his responsibilities to Friedrich Merz, his designated successor, during a grand ceremony by the German Armed Forces.
- The general news this week is not limited to the chancellor's farewell, as the policy-and-legislation sector also announces a new normalcy with the handover.
