Berlin – Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will be honored with a military-musical ceremony known as the Große Zapfenstreich on Monday, May 5, 2025, marking the end of his 1,245-day term in office. The ceremony, which is the highest form of military tribute in Germany, will take place at the parade ground of the Ministry of Defense in Berlin, starting at 9:30 PM, following a live broadcast on ARD at 9:00 PM.
The evening's festivities will commence with a torchlight ceremony, featuring music from the Bundeswehr's military band. Scholz has selected three pieces for the occasion: "In My Life" by The Beatles, an excerpt from the "2nd Brandenburg Concerto" by Johann Sebastian Bach, and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, originally written by Otis Redding. This musical selection showcases a blend of classic, soul, and pop, reflecting Scholz's personal taste.
As the outgoing Chancellor, Scholz's farewell ceremony is steeped in tradition. The Große Zapfenstreich has its roots in the 16th century when military leaders would signal the end of service for the day in taverns by tapping on the stoppers of barrels. Over time, this evolved into a formal military ceremony that includes music, prayers, and the national anthem. The event aims to strengthen the bond between the military and the public.
Expected attendees at the ceremony include prominent political figures such as President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer. However, former Chancellor Angela Merkel, along with former Presidents Christian Wulff and Joachim Gauck, will not be in attendance due to scheduling conflicts, as reported by the Berliner Morgenpost.
Scholz's farewell ceremony comes just a day before Friedrich Merz (CDU) is anticipated to be elected as the new Chancellor by the Bundestag on May 6, 2025. This transition marks a significant political shift in Germany, as Merz will take over the leadership responsibilities from Scholz.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on several channels, including ARD, Phoenix, ntv, and Welt. The ARD broadcast will be hosted by Markus Preiß, head of the ARD capital studio, alongside Major Michael Gutzeit from the Bundeswehr's Center for Military History and Social Sciences, who will provide expert commentary throughout the event.
The significance of the Große Zapfenstreich lies not only in its military honors but also in its role as a public spectacle that reinforces the connection between the Bundeswehr and the citizens of Germany. As noted, critics of the ceremony have drawn parallels between its military roots and historical military parades, raising questions about its appropriateness in contemporary society.
With the end of his term, Scholz reflects on his time in office, marked by significant challenges and achievements. His administration faced various issues, including economic recovery post-pandemic, international relations, and domestic policies that have shaped Germany's current political landscape.
As the ceremony unfolds, it will serve as a moment of reflection for Scholz and a transition point for the new leadership under Merz. The public will have the opportunity to witness this historical event, celebrating Scholz's contributions while looking forward to the future direction of Germany under new governance.
The Große Zapfenstreich is more than just a farewell; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of service and sacrifice, embodying the respect and honor that the German military holds for its leaders. As the evening approaches, anticipation builds for a ceremony that promises to be both poignant and celebratory.
