Steffen Hebestreit, the spokesperson for the German government, has commented on the humor skills of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), stating that they are often underestimated. Hebestreit told the news magazine Politico that “Despite his public reputation, the Chancellor is actually willing and capable of being very funny and humorous, but he only does this in very close circles and not in larger public settings. We have occasionally been in on it.” During travels, he noted that a sort of “school trip syndrome” would set in: “What’s the expression? When tiredness sets in, silliness follows.”
Being the government spokesperson, Hebestreit said, has not been an ordinary job for him. “I wouldn’t have worked for just anyone” he stated. “In a job like this, which also involves certain sacrifices in terms of one’s personal life – despite all the positive aspects – it has to work. You can’t do it as a job to pay the bills.”
When asked about the three pieces of music that the Chancellor has chosen for the Great Zapfenstreich on Monday evening, Hebestreit refused to reveal them: “My impression is that the Chancellor has remained very true to his musical choices. He is a very serious, meticulous and also sober Chancellor. And this will also be reflected in the songs he has chosen.”
Hebestreit said that he himself does not have any future plans yet. “I have no idea” the former journalist stated. He does not wish to become a ambassador. “I don’t think that suits me very well.” He needs some time to process things and wants to see “what will interest me over the next 15 years until retirement.”
On Monday, Hebestreit will give his last speech as government spokesperson in the federal press conference. He will watch the Chancellor election on Tuesday from home before passing the baton to his successor Stefan Kornelius in the afternoon. He has already cleared out his office in the Federal Press Agency, but it only took two moving boxes and “three or four pictures.