Farewell Tribute for Scholz - Council's Response Yet Pending with Commission
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Sayin' Goodbye: "Respect" Tattoo for Outgoing Chancellor Scholz
Oh boy, Olaf Scholz's gig as Federal Chancellor is wrapping up, and they threw ol' Scholz a swanky shindig!
After nearly five years sitting in the hot seat, our boy Olaf Scholz (SPD) found himself at the receiving end of a grand farewell from the German Armed Forces - replete with a serenade from the Staff Music Corps blasting out some soulful tunes. Now, Olaf ain't what you'd call the emotional type, so he kept his waterworks in check as the Corps tickled the ivories for "Respect." But, there was no hiding those smile lines.
Scholz's designated successor, Friedrich Merz (CDU) was in attendance, along with his missus Charlotte, ready to take the reins once Merz gets the green light from the Bundestag on Tuesday. Matter of fact, if Merz seals the deal, Scholz will be outta there come Tuesday afternoon, marking the end of Germany's ninth Chancellor in the Federal Republic.
Addressing the crowd on the parade ground of the Ministry of Defense, Scholz praised this transition as an "expression of democratic normality" in these wild times when democratic handovers can hardly be considered "normal." After all, Merz is sure to slide into the role smooth as butter compared to some of the circus acts we've seen around the world.
Emphasizing the significance of maintaining civil discourse, Scholz stressed, "Germany is strong only when we stand together."
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Pistorius: Scholz steered Germany through the storm
Scholz offered a warm farewell to Friedrich Merz, wishing him much luck, happiness, and success as he tackles his new duties. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) heaped praise on Scholz, calling him a "statesman" who guided Germany boldly through the turmoil. "In difficult moments, you kept your course," Pistorius commended.
The Tattoo, a military ceremony steeped in tradition, takes place after the sun dips below the horizon, illuminated by flickering torches. Scholz could pick three melodies to dance out his regal exit, and he chose:
- "In My Life" by the Fab Four (Beatles)
- An excerpt from J.S. Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2"
- "Respect," the iconic track from Aretha Franklin
Respect was the battle cry of Scholz's successful 2021 Bundestag campaign, firmly planting him in our nation's highest office.
Even though the damaged traffic light coalition managed to patch up its differences for the occasion, Christian Lindner (FDP), who was unceremoniously booted from the coalition, wasn't about to lend Scholz a congratulatory handshake. "Duty calls," he said, as he skipped the ceremony, leaving the infant coalition a tad incomplete.
Among the cabinet members who expressed their gratitude to Scholz were Robert Habeck of the Greens, Annalena Baerbock, and even Christine Lambrecht, who resigned amidst controversy. The crowd gave Scholz a thunderous cheer as he rode off the Ministry's parade ground.
If Scholz packs his bags on Tuesday, he'll have served roughly three years longer than seven of his eight predecessors.
As scholars dissect Scholz's legacy, his "turning point" speech in the Bundestag four days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine will surely be remembered.
His first traffic light coalition carried on for less than three years before it hit the rocks, mainly over finance issues.
Scholz now finds himself shifting from the Chancellery to the backbenches, where he plans to see out the entire legislative period as a representative of his Potsdam constituency.
He's looking forward to catching those precious ZZZs, admitting, "I'd like to sleep in more often." And come Wednesday, he'll be able to!
- The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the federal politics in Germany have moved towards a new chapter with the handover of power from Chancellor Scholz to Friedrich Merz.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, general news often highlights the significance of maintaining civil discourse, much like the serene and respectful atmosphere at Chancellor Scholz's farewell ceremony as he passed the baton to Friedrich Merz.
- Olaf Scholz, the outgoing chancellor, chose three melodies for his military ceremony, including "Respect," which he embraced during his successful 2021 Bundestag campaign - a stark contrast to the political turmoil and controversies that marked some parts of his tenure.
- Christine Lambrecht, a former cabinet member, attended the Tattoo ceremony to express gratitude to Chancellor Scholz, signifying the need for unity even in the face of disagreements and differences within a political setup, much like the democratic normality that Scholz emphasized during his farewell address.
