As Germany prepares for a significant political transition, the week of May 5, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s governance. The country is set to witness a change of leadership as CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz is poised to be elected as Chancellor, following the dissolution of the previous coalition government known as the Ampel-Koalition. This week will unfold with a series of formal events, culminating in the official swearing-in of the new government.
On the evening of May 5, the Bundeswehr will honor outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz with a Großen Zapfenstreich, a ceremonial farewell that is the highest military honor in Germany. The ceremony will begin at 21:00 and is expected to feature traditional elements, including speeches and musical performances of selected pieces chosen by Scholz himself.
Scholz, who has served as Chancellor since 2021, will be bid farewell in a ceremony that reflects both his political journey and personal preferences. He has chosen three pieces of music for the event: "In My Life" by The Beatles, an excerpt from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. The choice of these songs not only highlights his musical taste but also resonates with his political campaign, which was built around the theme of respect.
The Großen Zapfenstreich will be broadcast live on ARD, starting at 21:00, with commentary provided by Markus Preiß and Major Michael Gutzeit. The ceremony will take place at the Paradeplatz of the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung in Berlin and is expected to conclude around 22:15.
Prominent guests will include Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will also attend the ceremony as an honored guest, alongside other notable figures from politics and society. Notably absent will be former Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Presidents Christian Wulff and Joachim Gauck, due to scheduling conflicts.
On May 6, Merz will be officially elected Chancellor during a session of the Bundestag. To secure his position, he will need the support of at least 316 members, representing a majority of the 328 politicians in the Bundestag from both the Union and SPD parties. Given the political landscape, it is anticipated that Merz will achieve this majority in the first round of voting.
After receiving the Ernennungsurkunde from President Steinmeier at Schloss Bellevue, Merz will take the oath of office in the Bundestag, followed by the announcement of his new cabinet. This cabinet will be finalized during a signing ceremony of the coalition agreement titled "Verantwortung für Deutschland," which is set to take place at noon on May 5 in the Gasometer on the Euref-Campus in Berlin.
As part of the new government formation, the SPD will announce its ministerial appointments earlier in the day. Notably, outgoing Labor Minister Hubertus Heil will be replaced by Bärbel Bas, marking a significant shift in the SPD’s leadership dynamics. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has expressed a desire to bring in more women and younger members into the cabinet, aiming for a generational change while retaining experienced politicians.
The political landscape is also marked by recent developments concerning the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been classified as a right-wing extremist party by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This classification has sparked internal turmoil within the party, leading to calls for strategic responses from its leaders.
As the week progresses, Merz is expected to make his first international visits as Chancellor, with trips planned to France and Poland. These visits will underscore Germany's commitment to strengthening ties with its neighboring countries, particularly in light of the recent shifts in international relations.
In a broader context, the week also coincides with commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, with a special gathering of the new government in the Bundestag on May 8. This meeting will serve as a poignant reminder of Germany’s historical responsibilities and its ongoing commitment to peace and stability in Europe.
As the political transition unfolds, all eyes will be on how the new government under Merz will address pressing issues such as economic recovery, social cohesion, and Germany's role within the European Union. With a fresh leadership team in place, the coming months will be crucial for setting the tone and direction of German politics in the years ahead.
