Big tap: Scholz says goodbye with an appeal

Chancellor Scholz said goodbye with an appeal on the big tap. Democracy needs “an understanding of common ground,” he said. To serve Germany as head of government was the honor of his life.

The outgoing Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz recognized the imminent change of government in his farewell speech as a “expression of democratic normality”. “In a democracy, offices are only given for time. This distinguishes us from the autocratia worldwide,” emphasized Scholz at the big tap, with which the Bundeswehr paid him the honor on the eve of the planned handover of the office to his designated successor Friedrich Merz (CDU).

At the same time, however, it is “in no way normal in these times that such a change is so civilized, as collegially and as decently as we experience here in Germany these days,” said Scholz.

“In times of crisis, our country stands together”

The “civilian interaction among democrats must be protected and preserved, because it is precious,” continued Scholz. Democracy needs “an understanding of common ground, which we share in our country despite our different views, origin and beliefs”. Germany is only strong “if we hold it together”.

Scholz referred to fears that this understanding of commonality is crumbling and the centrifugal forces became more and more stronger. “We must not underestimate this risk,” he said. “And yet the past few years have also shown that our country is standing together, especially in times of crisis – and thus grows beyond itself.”

“I was happy to take responsibility”

He referred to great social solidarity, for example during Corona pandemic, in the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees and in the energy crisis due to the Russian attack on Ukraine. “To serve this Germany as its Chancellor was and that remains the honor of my life,” said Scholz.

“I have always liked this great responsibility – and I also speak out because you may not always be able to read it on the face of a north German like me.”

Scholz wishes Merz “a happy hand”

Scholz wished his designated successor Merz, who was sitting in the front row with his wife Charlotte, for all tasks and challenges “good luck, fortune 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, “put cohesion on division”. “A country that has such citizens does not have to be afraid of the future.

Buschmann, Habeck and Baerbock there

The broken traffic light coalition came together again in the stands – at least partially. The former FDP minister Marco Buschmann and Bettina Stark-Watzinger showed Scholz the honor. The former finance minister and FDP boss Christian Lindner, whom Scholz had released over the household in the fierce traffic light dispute, remained away from the farewell ceremony. “My absence has no political background. This evening, paternal duties are going on this evening,” he wrote on X on the grounds.

Vice -Chancellor Robert Habeck, on the other hand, was there as well as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Even the former Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht, who had submitted her resignation at Scholz after massive criticism, returned to her old place of work. As a farewell, there was long applause for Scholz before driving his wagon column from the paradise of the ministry.

“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 had opted for “In My Life” by the Beatles, an excerpt from the “2nd Brandenburg concert” by Johann Sebastian Bach and the soul classic “Respect”, which 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.