In Germany, an official farewell was held for Chancellor Olaf Scholz — marking the end of his tenure in this responsible position
On the evening of May 5, a solemn ceremony took place at the Federal Ministry of Defense to bid farewell to the head of government, attended by high-ranking officials, military personnel, and numerous invited guests. Against the festive backdrop, colleagues and guests were presented with Scholz’s farewell speech, in which he emphasized the importance of changes in the political system and highlighted the role of democratic values in modern Germany. The ceremony, known in Germany as Großer Zapfenstreich ("Grand Evening Salute"), is one of the most prestigious traditional events in the country’s military protocol. It involves the formation of military personnel, the performance of musical compositions, a march, and a military ceremonial salute. This event is conducted not only to honor high-ranking officials but also to display military respect to former presidents, defense ministers, and generals, with a history dating back to the late 16th century. According to tradition, during the farewell ceremony, the orchestra performed several notable musical pieces. Near Scholz, the song "In My Life" by the British band The Beatles was played — in memory of his long career as the mayor of Hamburg, a city where the band gained immense popularity. Additionally, a segment from Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2" was included, as the Chancellor expressed his affinity for this classical work, given that his current neighborhood is the city of Potsdam in Brandenburg. Furthermore, the playlist featured Aretha Franklin’s "Respect." This choice was intentional, as the word "respect" became a key theme in his campaign slogans during the 2021 presidential elections, emphasizing the value of human dignity and mutual respect. In his farewell speech, Scholz underscored that the transfer of power is a sign of democratic maturity and order. He reminded everyone that in democratic countries, positions are not lifelong, and this tradition is one of the fundamental principles of modern German politics, setting the country apart from authoritarian regimes around the world. His words illustrated that the current transition of authority exemplifies full civility, collegiality, and dignity. Scholz also expressed his gratitude to citizens and colleagues for their high level of social solidarity. According to him, this solidarity was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the reception of Ukrainian refugees, and in the fight against the energy crisis that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Being the Chancellor of this country has been the honor of my life," he said. In his address, he wished success to the new head of government, Friedrich Merz, in his future work and in facing the challenges that lie ahead for the country. The ceremony was concluded with a traditional march and the playing of the national anthem, symbolizing the end of Scholz’s leadership period and the beginning of a new era in Germany’s political life. The official transfer of power is taking place just ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 6. It is expected that the new Chancellor will be Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition CDU, who will continue with stable reforms and actively support Ukraine in its struggle against the aggressor. Consequently, political circles and citizens are actively analyzing the new format of cooperation within the government and potential implications for domestic and foreign policy. Also read: Merz and his team: who will enter the new German government and what it means for Ukraine.