End of term in office: Scholz calls for cohesion under Democrats

End of term –

Scholz calls for cohesion under Democrats

The Chancellery of Olaf Scholz is expected to end after 1245 days on Tuesday. To say goodbye, he is addressed to the public with an appeal.

Published: 05.05.2025, 22:00

The outgoing chancellor is adopted with the big tank stroke in the torchlight in Berlin.

Clemens Bilan (Getty)

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Bottal

The outgoing Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz recognized the imminent change of government in his farewell speech as a “expression of democratic normality”. In these times it is “by no means so that such a change is so civilized, as collegial and as decently as we experience this in Germany these days,” said the SPD politician in front of the big tap, with whom the Bundeswehr honors him on the evening of the planned handover of the office to his designated successor Friedrich Merz (CDU).

This civilian dealings among democrats have to be protected and preserved. “Because it is precious,” said Scholz. Democracy does not mean that everyone should always agree. But she needs a fundamental understanding of solidarity with each other. “An understanding of common ground, which we share in our country despite our different views, origin and beliefs – and after which Germany – and only then – is strong if we hold it together.”

Scholz wishes Merz “a happy hand”

Scholz wished his designated successor Merz, who sat in the front row together with his wife Charlotte, for all tasks and challenges “good luck, Fortense and a happy hand”. “In difficult hours, which will certainly also exist, I wish you encounters from which you can draw strength and confidence.” He himself had such encounters with citizens again and again, “who have cohesion through division”. “A country that has such citizens does not have to be afraid of the future.”

“Respect” as a farewell song

The Zapfenstreich is a military ceremony with which all chancellors, Federal President, Minister of Defense and High -Rank Military are traditionally adopted. The honored three music requests are allowed to express. Scholz has for “In My Life” from the Beatles, an extract from the «2. Brandenburg Concert »by Johann Sebastian Bach and the Soul Classic“ Respect ”, who became a world hit in the version of Aretha Franklin.

Respect was the central catchphrase of Scholz ›successful Bundestag election campaign 2021. The Bundestag will also belong to the Bundestag after leaving as a chancellor. He has won a direct mandate in Potsdam and wants to perceive it until the end of the election period.