Final salute paid to Scholz - Council's Response Still Pending from Commission
Waving the Flag of Change
It's time to bid adieu to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) after his 1,245 days in office, as he was given a grand military tribute – known as a tattoo – by the German Armed Forces. Despite being known for his stoic demeanor, Scholz couldn't help but be moved when the Stabsmusikkorps played the soul classic "Respect" for him, even managing a smile at the end.
Seated next to his wife Britta Ernst and fellow ministers from his cabinet, including his designated successor Friedrich Merz and wife Charlotte, Scholz couldn't hide his emotions as he soaked in the moment. If Merz is elected Chancellor by the Bundestag on Tuesday, the symbolic handover of power at the Chancellery will take place that same day. Then, the ninth Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany will step into history.
Speaking from the parade ground of the Ministry of Defense, Scholz highlighted the importance of democratic stability during these challenging times. "This change may not be normal in some ways, but let me tell you, it’s a testament to something very special indeed," he said.
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Pistorius: "You've shown resilience, my friend"
In his farewell address, Scholz expressed his best wishes to Merz, stating, "Here's to your success, fortune, and a hand that's always steady." Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) took a moment to recognize Scholz as a statesman who guided Germany through turbulent times with determination, wisdom, and calm. "In the rough seas, you stayed the course," Pistorius pointed out.
A Burst of Melody and Feelings
The tattoo is a time-honored military ceremony conducted after sunset, illuminated by torchlight, to bid farewell to prominent figures such as Chancellors, Presidents, and Ministers of Defense. The honorees may request three musical selections to play, and Scholz chose "In My Life" by the Beatles, an excerpt from Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto, and Aretha Franklin's "Respect," which became a global hit in her version. "Respect" was the central theme of Scholz's successful Bundestag election campaign in 2021, which solidified his position as Chancellor.
A United Front
The broken traffic light coalition made an appearance, albeit incomplete, on the parade ground. Former Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner, who was dismissed by Scholz in the bitter budget dispute, was absent, citing family obligations. Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock were present, along with former Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht, who resigned following widespread criticism but returned for the ceremony.
As Scholz departed from the Ministry of Defense's parade ground, the crowd erupted in a round of applause. If Scholz vacates his position on Tuesday, he will have served longer than two of his eight predecessors, Ludwig Erhard (1963-1966) and Kurt Georg Kiesinger (1966-1969). Scholz's "turning point" speech four days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- pushing for the supply of weapons to the conflict -- will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant moment in his tenure. However, the premature collapse of the first traffic light coalition at the federal level, composed of SPD, FDP, and Greens, will also be a defining feature of his legacy. Scholz is preparing to move from the Chancellery to the backbench of the Bundestag, where he plans to remain as a directly-elected parliamentarian in his constituency of Potsdam for the entire legislative period. "Being a member of the German Bundestag is the highest directly elected public office in Germany," he noted before his election. With a bit more free time on the horizon, Scholz expressed his eagerness to catch some extra Z's, sharing his sentiment in a "Zeit" podcast, "I could definitely do with sleeping in a bit more."
- The Commission, in its efforts to align proposals with the Common Agricultural Policy's objectives, has taken several measures to ensure consistency during implementation.
- In the world of policy and legislation, general news, and politics, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the capital.
- On Tuesday, if Friedrich Merz is elected Chancellor, he will face a symbolic handover of power, marking the end of Olaf Scholz's tenure as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- After his years of service, Olaf Scholz's legacy will be marked by both his successful election campaign, symbolized by Aretha Franklin's "Respect," and the premature collapse of the first traffic light coalition at the federal level.
