Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was bid farewell on Monday with a “Great Taps” ceremony. In his farewell speech, Scholz praised the country’s open-mindedness. “Germany must become different and better in many ways. But let us not forget, amidst all justified criticism of the situation, that we have friends all over the world as an open-minded country” he said late Monday evening at the Bendlerblock.
It is not a self-evident fact that a power transition would take place so “civilly and respectfully” as the current one, said Scholz in light of struggling democracies around the world. “Democracy needs a shared understanding of solidarity” the chancellor said.
Scholz had requested “In my Life” by the Beatles, an excerpt from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “2. Brandenburgische Konzert” and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, which the Bundeswehr band performed in his honor.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) praised Scholz for his efforts to prevent the war in Ukraine. Until the very last minute, the chancellor had tried to convince Putin to refrain from attacking Ukraine – “unsuccessfully” said Pistorius. “You had the courage to say that war is back in Europe and Germany must redefine its role.” The “Zeitenwende” (times of change) is an expression of that.
Olaf Scholz’s term as chancellor is expected to end on Tuesday. Then, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who was also present at the Great Taps ceremony, plans to be elected as the new chancellor with the votes of Union and SPD. Scholz had previously announced that he would also vote for Merz. However, the election will be held in secret.