A state ceremony to honour the late former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth is scheduled for 24 February. The event was announced on Wednesday by current Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU).
In addition to Klöckner, former Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) will also speak. Following Süssmuth’s own wishes, author and journalist Heribert Prantl will address the Bundestag as well. The gathering will be attended by Süssmuth’s family, all constitutional bodies, close associates and other invited guests.
Klöckner praised Süssmuth as “one of the most formative politicians and personalities in German post‑war history”. She highlighted Süssmuth’s willingness to open debates and demand responsibility on uncomfortable issues even before she held a majority. “With this state ceremony we now wish to honour her outstanding political and societal life achievements and give her a lasting remembrance” Klöckner said.
Süssmuth, a former federal minister and former Bundestag President, died on Sunday at the age of 88.