Federal President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier has ordered a state funeral for former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth. The Federal Presidential Office announced the decision on Monday, and the Bundestag will conduct the ceremony.

Süssmuth died Sunday at the age of 88. She served as Minister of Youth, Family and Health from 1985 to 1988, and later as President of the German Bundestag from 1988 to 1998.

In his initial reaction, Steinmeier praised Süssmuth as “a great woman and a passionate fighter for democracy”. He added that she had always been forward‑thinking, a pioneer, an advocate and a role model-especially for many women. He noted that, with her courage, perseverance, humor and conviction, she played a decisive role in bringing greater gender equality to our country step by step.