A proposal by German Bundestag Vice President Bodo Ramelow, advocating for the replacement of the national anthem with a children’s song penned by Bertolt Brecht and a public vote on the national flag, has drawn significant criticism from across the political spectrum.
Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of Saxony, representing the Union bloc, stated that the anthem and flag represent freedom, democracy and German unity, values shared throughout the country. He specifically highlighted their significance for East Germans as symbols of the peaceful revolution.
Within the Bundestag Presidency, Ramelow’s initiative has not been well received. A spokesperson for Bundestag President Julia Klöckner indicated no intention to alter either the national anthem or the flag.
Andrea Lindholz, a Vice President of the Bundestag representing the CSU, strongly criticized Ramelow, accusing him of violating his duty to remain neutral. She argued that changing the anthem or flag would be a misguided approach and would not address perceived divisions between East and West Germany.
Elisabeth Kaiser, the Federal Government’s Commissioner for Eastern Germany, also expressed skepticism, suggesting that the country faces more pressing political challenges. She emphasized the need to focus on unifying factors rather than pursuing debates that could further divide the nation.
Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a long-serving Vice President of the Bundestag, framed the proposal as a symbolic debate, drawing parallels to the former East Germany where the national anthem’s content related to national unity was a point of contention. She also noted a historical lack of widespread support for a unified national constitution among East Germans, adding nuance to the discussion.
Carsten Linnemann, the Secretary-General of the CDU, accused Ramelow of initiating a “culture war” asserting that the flag and anthem embody democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. He suggested those who challenge these symbols may be questioning the foundations of the country’s democratic order. He positioned the symbols not as divisive, but as unifying elements within the nation.